To Denny’s Family,

i just heard of Denny’s passing and express my deepest sympathy to all of you!  Denny was a wonderful friend and I will always admire his caring ways for others especially our friends with disabilities.  He certainly changed many lives through his passion for theater and his belief in including all people!  

I am thinking of all of you and will always admire your Father for the way he respected others

Denny Theede

It would have been about this time...years ago...that Denny and I would be on the road with our two-person show, Almost a Santa Claus... My heart swells with love for him, and this time of year, especially, I think of him often and fondly.  He was so special, and like a uncle/best friend to me for many years.  We rehearsed the show at my parents house, and he'd stay for dinner, we'd spend days at the Senior Center and shared many Burger King meals.  And though he always tried to get distance from me to smoke, I often would sneak out to be with him, and loved spending days chatting with him outside of theaters and several Winona rehearsal locations ;)  My heart has held a Denny-sized hole for years, as I've moved away from Winona... But one gift he gave me, a large stuffed lion, now sits on my son's bed and brings Denny to my mind almost daily.  Surely, he gave me the gift of a childhood well-lived.  I learned so much from my time spent with him- about hard work, fun, humility, standing up for myself, being silly and joyful, humor, and love.  He had an immense spirit and it will truly live on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched.

I pray for peace in your hearts as you mourn this huge loss, and I will certainly hold Denny up today and always as a personal hero of mine.

I am so sorry to read this sad news. I met Denny years ago while attending WSU, and got to know him through theater productions and mutual friends. He often visited the restaurant where I cooked, and we had long talks that I treasured. He sang in my wedding, a gift that I will never forget. My deepest sympathies.

To all of Denny's family,

My deepest sympathy to you all as you grieve the loss of your father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Not only was he beyond talented, his kindness and sparkle are what stand out in my mind. He is the reason I got interested in theatre and directing and I have countless fond memories from productions in Winona and Rochester. I am so grateful he gave me a chance all those years ago! He and taught me so very much (Sarah, too!). May you all find peace beyond words during this season and please know you'll be in my prayers.

-Maria (Kujawa) Klingsheim

My condolences to the Brian Schrandt family and his sister and brothers families.  I had every intention of being at the funeral for Den today but the snow storm is preventing me from driving to Rochester.  May he rest in peace.

I had the good fortune to perform with Denny in a couple of plays in recent years. In addition to his acting talents, Denny was a kind and gentle soul. He will be in my heart tonight when I perform on the same stage we shared a few years ago. In addition, the cast is dedicating tonight's performance of "Annie" to him.

My condolences to the Schrandt family for your loss. I have many great memories from childhood of working with Denny and your family on musicals in Winona. I never reconnected with Denny after moving away for college, but I'll always remember the twinkle in his eye and his enthusiasm for theatre.  -Ben Nicklay

Sarah and Jeff:  Thank you for sharing Denny with us.  Will always remember him helping with activities at St. Pius and his happy smile.  He was always so proud of all his children and their accomplishments.  Just saw him recently in a commercial on TV and wondered about him.  So sorry for you loss.  Sincerely,  Anne and Randy Miers

I first met Denny at auditions for “Of Mice and Men” at the Civic in 2002. We hit it off right away. He had such warm and welcoming laugh and smile to everyone he met.

He was such an inspiration to be around when acting with him on the stage. He will be missed beyond words.

Break a leg my friend.......

Angus Russell 

We have fond memories of Denny and the many plays he directed in Winona.  He was such a mentor to our daughter, Maria and our son, Joe. They learned so much from him.   Denny even directed me (Joann) in the "Joseph" musical.  He was always very organized and empowering.  Denny touched so many people with his talent, artistry, and fun-loving ways.

Kady,

I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a great man. Praying for you and your family.

Adrienne

Please feel our love and prayers hugging you at this time when words do not begin to say what we want them to. Love you. Tom and Denise

We are so sorry for your loss. We have so many fond memories of Denny in all the plays with Family Service Rochester, RCT and St. Pius. He will be so missed. The theatre world has lost a great one. We will miss the gleam in his eyes, his smirky smile and his awesome whistle - Oh and that Santa beard! Prayers and condolences to your family.

Dear Sarah and family,

I was deeply saddened to hear that Denny has passed away.   He was a dear soul and an incredibly talented man.  He was a great director, actor, and friend.  I so enjoyed knowing him and working with him. Most of all, I enjoyed our many talks back stage, meeting for coffee,  and connecting with him periodically on the telephone.   He told me a long time ago, he didn’t do Facebook due to privacy issues!  He was a smart man!

We lost touch a couple years ago when I was living overseas and I was just thinking of calling him since I am now living back in the United States.  I had no idea he was having health issues. 

Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  This is a huge loss and Denny will be greatly missed.

With deepest sympathy,

Lenore Marcotte

Sarah, Kady and all,

I was so saddened to read in today's paper that your beloved dad has decided to journey on. The earth has lost one talented, gifted, funny guy. I am so glad that I saw you all awhile back at Bub's. I wish I could have stayed and "caught up" a bit. Peace to you all. I will miss running into Denny!

Sorry for your loss, Sue and I enjoyed several of his theatre performances.

Sarah & family,

So sorry for your loss. Denny was a wonderful and talented man. 

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Denny. I had the pleasure of working with him on several theater projects through Family Service Rochester, and he was so much fun to be around! The local art and theater community will remember him fondly, I'm sure.

My condolences to the Schrandt family.  I remember working with Denny on several theater projects years ago.  We always had such fun!! 

Andrea 

Denny will be sorely missed at the Young at Heart singers. He had such talent for singing and comedy. 

My heart and love go out to Dennis’ family.  He was a joy to work with when we did “Miracle on 34th Street.”  I always enjoyed having mini dance sessions with him.  He always did have a little spring in his step.  May his joy and light live on in you his family and the many people he has touched both in and out of the theatre!

Denny will be dearly missed. Our whole family has wonderful memories of many theater productions in Winona. I designed many costumes and thoroughly enjoyed working with him. Love and prayers to all the family.

It was a honor and absolute pleasure to work with Denny 11 years ago as my “Theater Dad” in Fiddler on the Roof. So many fond memories from that show that still follow me to this day. He will never be forgotten and will surely be missed.

my thoughts and prays go out to you as I sadly live in FL and won’t be able to make the Funeral Service.

I am so so sorry for your loss. Denny was greatly loved and will be missed! My prayers are will your whole family.

I will be out of town Saturday and won't make it to the funeral, but you are all in my thoughts.

~Much Love~

Jill

Denny cast me in my very first play, Oliver, when I was 8 years old, and I grew up to be a theatre enthusiast, stage manager, actor, and designer. Denny played a huge role in establishing my love of theatre. He was always animated, witty, and kind. I am so sorry to hear of his passing but know he’ll continue to spread theatrical merriment in the great beyond. 

Pip pip cheerio, old friend. 

-Gabi Mintz

Schrandtini, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! Haven't seen Denny in years but still remember what a kind and easy-going guy he was...and his whistle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family.

I have fond memories of Cotter musicals directed by Denny.  He was a talented, creative man and a good, patient teacher to us novice actors. God bless all of you and know you all are lifted up in prayer. May perpetual light shine upon him.

please accept our sincere sympathy, our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Dear Jessy, Sarah, Kady and Jacob—I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. I remember him fondly from our childhood growing up in the neighborhood, with his laughter and whistling. Keeping you all in my thoughts during this time. Sincerely Emily Bratt Stange

Sarah, So sorry to hear of your loss. Denny was a wonderful man. Loved working on plays with him at the Civic. I'm sure he's bringing joy to those in heaven like he did to those that saw him on stage. Hugs and prayers to all. 

Dear Sarah,Kady,Jessy,Jake,Christina,and family,I’m so very sorry to hear about Denny.He gave me some of my first opportunities in theatre and really made me love performing.Not only was he a great director,but also a wonderful actor.He was kind,giving,creative,funny and just a cool dude.I smile fondly when I think of my time spent with your family.-Fabiola??