Dennis Biniek

Dennis J. Biniek, age 71 of Bowlus, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Monday, November 13, 2023 at his home in Bowlus, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala with Rev. Jimmy Joseph officiating. Inurnment will be held at St. Edward’s Cemetery in Elmdale. Military Honors will be by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Upsala. The Knights of Columbus will pray at 7 p.m. Sunday evening at the church.

Dennis John Biniek was born October 18, 1952 in Little Falls, Minnesota to Frank and Martha (Hanfler) Biniek. He grew up on the family farm near Elmdale and attended country school through the sixth grade. Dennis then attended Upsala Area School where he graduated in 1970.  Dennis joined the U.S. Navy in 1971 and served on three tours during Vietnam aboard the U.S.S. Joseph Strauss. He was honorably discharged in July of 1973.

He was united in marriage to Sharelin “Shari” Langner on August 16, 1975 at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Holdingford. Dennis worked at the Elmdale Creamery driving can route and worked in the meat room from 1974 through 1979. He bought his dad’s farm and raised cattle and pigs until 1979 when he built a dairy barn and milked for 32 years. Dennis semi retired, then raised calves to steers for ten years.

He was an active member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Elmdale serving ten years on the parish council, Knights of Columbus, and served many years on the Elmdale Creamery board. Dennis was an avid sports fan who loved watching his sons play amateur baseball, fantasy football, and fishing with Shari, his sons, and grandsons, the joys of his life. He also enjoyed deer hunting, casinoing, playing cards, and playing baseball with the little guys. Dennis was the one the grandsons always ran to with a book to read. He loved meeting people and could start a conversation with anyone. Dennis always had to have a hug when saying goodbye. He had a special bond with his oncology girls; he held a special place in his heart for them and he always made sure he got a hug from them too.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Shari Biniek of Bowlus; sons, Derek Biniek of Sartell, Trent (Kristina) Biniek of Crystal, and Dustin (Greta) Biniek of Bowlus; five grandchildren, Waylon, Levi, Bo, Milo, and Josie; brother, Don Biniek of Bowlus; sister, Pat Janey of Brooklyn Park; sister-in-law, Margy Biniek of Sartell; and many loving relatives and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Marcie; sister, Marlene Wood; brother, Robert “Bob” Biniek; sister-in-law, Marlys Biniek; and brothers-in-law, Raymond “Ray” Janey and Doug Wood.