Dennis Sayre

Dennis William Sayre, son of Ernest and Ella (Willms) Sayre, was born one March 2, 1944 in Springfield, Minnesota. Dennis grew up in Kensington, Minnesota, where he was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church. He attended and graduated from Kensington Public School. Dennis continued his education for six months at the BCA School for Law Enforcement. On August 15, 1964, he was united in marriage to Betty Halvorson at the Kensington Covenant Church in Kensington, Minnesota. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Morris until 1969, when they moved to Cyrus. Dennis was employed at the University of Minnesota for 35 years, which 32 were spent as a Campus Police Officer. Dennis retired from the University in 2000 as a Police Lieutenant. He then began driving school bus for the Cyrus School District, which he did up until the time of his death.

Dennis was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus. He was an avid hunter and sportsman. He served as president of the 9-F Sportsman’s Club and was a member of the Morris Rifle Club and the Morris Eagles, serving as Vice President. Dennis also served six years as an infantryman with the Minnesota National Guard. Dennis especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Dennis died on Friday, July 3, 2009 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 65 years.

He is survived by his wife: Betty Sayre of Cyrus; two children: Brenda (Rick) Ewy of St. Paul Park and Martin Sayre of St. Cloud; three grandchildren: Matthew, Travis and Shane Ewy of St. Paul Park and two brothers: Larry (Dorothy) Sayre of Morris and Randy (Marsha) Sayre of Alexandria. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Richard Sayre and one sister: JoAnn Sayre.

Pallbearers for the service are Ryan Sayre, Kristen Sayre, Kasey Sayre, Dean Sayre, Dan Sayre, Travis Ewy and Michael Gustafson. Diane Hanse will serve as organist for the service with Carol Sylskar serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.