Dennis ‘Denny’ Wayne Graven, of White Bear Lake passed away unexpectedly on July 28th, 2025, at the age of 74. Denny was born and lived in White Bear Lake his entire life, graduating from White Bear Lake High School in 1969. Denny was offered ‘on the job training’ classes in the 10th grade and was sponsored by Richard ‘Dick’ Hanson at the White Bear Body Shop. Denny dedicated the rest of his career to the body shop as an employee, then as an owner of the shop after purchasing it in 2005. After high school Denny served our country in the Army Reserves for six years while continuing his work at the body shop.

Beyond work, and most notably, Denny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and dear friend. Denny met his wife Joan at a club on St. Paul’s east side. After dating for three years, they married in 1972 and settled in White Bear. They had three children and were married for 53 years. Denny’s deep love and support for his family was unmatched. Denny was simply the best, the best father anyone could ask for and without a doubt the greatest grandpa. Denny showed up for the people in his life. Denny spent countless hours coaching hockey and watching sporting events throughout the years for his kids and grandkids. He was always available to lend a helping hand; there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do or fix. He even contracted out and built the last two homes he lived in. He would often greet you with ‘there ya are’ and leave you with ‘be good’, which we all knew meant he was happy to see you and that you were loved. He was the most genuine, selfless, patient, dedicated, hard-working, amazing human being. It’s impossible to summarize Denny’s amazing life in a few paragraphs.

Denny enjoyed many past times. He loved to dance in his younger years and golf before it became harder for him to do. He had a passion for hunting and fishing that he loved to do with his friends, brother Loren, son and grandsons. He enjoyed summers at the cabin, Christmas trips in Mexico and many fishing and hunting trips. He was a meticulous keeper of his lawn, mowing it three times a week and the nicest one on the block. He always had a cold Miller Lite in the fridge to share with friends and family when they stopped by or could be seen at the White Bear Bar after work with friends on Friday nights for years.

Denny was preceded in death by his father Ralph, mother Ruth, brothers Gary, Randy and sister Gale. He is survived by his wife Joan, daughters Kelly (Mike Mamer), Katie (Tony Colombo), son Chris (Jenny Swanson) and his cherished grandchildren Justin, Aiden, Reagan, Hawkin, Derrick, Colton and Austin.

Please join us to share memories at a casual celebration of Denny’s life on Saturday August 16th from 230-6 PM at Kellerman’s Event Center (2222 4th St, White Bear Lake) next to his body shop.

Denny is so deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure by all who were fortunate to know him. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Denny by sharing your memories of him with the family and continue to hold him close to your heart.

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