Dennis Panzer

Dennis Panzer 10/20/1959 - 6/8/2025

Dennis Lee Panzer, 65, passed away peacefully at his home in Nisswa, Minnesota, after a 13-month battle with glioblastoma. Born in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Harold and Vivian Panzer, Dennis grew up in Brainerd on his parents’ resort on Round Lake before going to college at St. Cloud State University for real estate. He had a successful career as a commercial real estate broker and investor in the Twin Cities, allowing him to be semi-retired at an early age and very present in his children’s lives.

He enjoyed traveling with his family; road trips; being a snowbird in Palm Desert, California; watching NASCAR on Sundays; collecting cars; all forms of grilling, BBQ, and BBQ dives; building cabins with his family in Hackensack, Minnesota, and Belfry, Montana; golfing; and driving his wife to quilt stores. He could always relate any situation to a Seinfeld episode.

He loved being “Papa” to his grandsons, Henrik and Leif, and “Grandpa” to his granddogs. He will be remembered for his big heart, larger-than-life personality, and boisterous laugh. Everything was more fun when Dennis was involved!

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Panzer. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Beverly; children Casey (Brittney), Carolyn (Illia), and Lauren; grandsons Henrik and Leif; mother, Vivian; siblings Steve (Mary), Susan (Nick), and Kevin (Phyllis); and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 627 in Nisswa, Minnesota, on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with happy hour to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Denny P Scholarship Fund (Link: igfn.us/e/sykIfg) at Brainerd Public Schools Foundation are preferred