Denny was a special person at Lourdes and MSU. He was intellectually curious, engaging, and helpful to all. He will be missed.

It was sad to hear of Dennis‘s passing. I send my condolences to his family. I recall fondly ice fishing, one time with Dennis. I say one time because I lost the metal rod that was used to break through the ice so Dennis never asked me to go again.

I also met Dennis in Manila, where he was teaching at Don Bosco school during his stent in the peace core, While I was in The Philippines on a tour of duty with the Air Force.

I will keep Dennis in my prayers.

Dennis was the kindest neighbor, with a gentle, fun loving laugh. It wouldn’t take much to get Dennis smiling or joking about something. He could take a hot topic and turn down the temperature, always with a soft approach - he loved to help others smile and take a step back and appreciate the bigger picture. His words of wisdom were always easy to listen to. I loved hearing Dennis tell stories about his days growing up in Minnesota, or his time in Venezuela, or Utah. He knew the value of work, and yet he kept family and faith as his foremost priorities.

Our warmest condolences to Martha, Myra, Daniela, and Dennis Joseph - we share our love and prayers for you. I’m a better person because of Dennis Lawler and so glad to have the privilege of being your neighbor.

Warm regards,

Darren Calley 

Dennis will be missed by RCTC students and friends. He touched lives in ways that had a positive and lasting impact for the better.

In deepest sympathy.

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Lawler’s passing. I had the privilege of being taught Economics by Mr. Lawler at RCTC. Every time I came to class he had the biggest and brightest smile on his face! Even though it was an early morning class, he always came with energy! Econ was a very hard class but he always made sure that we understood! Prayers for your family! Rest in peace Mr. Lawler! 

At the last Class Reunion, Dennis and I shared our thoughts of past times well lived and our choices that filled we celebrated  subsequently.

We chose "service" paths that took us out country. While we were doing our duty, we chose our respective life partners . 

God bless America and God bless Dennis on his passage to Glory, if it be God's will, hand Salute. Good and Faithful Servant . 

Paul

Dennis was a Lourdes Classmate and friend! I would hear snippets about his life and activities but never really got to know him until after our 50th Class reunion. I was helping with the reunion and tasked with contacting classmates to update their life story. Dennis surprised me with a long accounting of all he had been doing. I was very impressed and with that we got to know each other better. Our condolences to the family and he will be missed!

Tom and Donna Gauthier

We are so sorry for your loss. May memories of Dennis bring you comfort and strength throughout the coming days. Please know of our love, hugs and prayers, Tom & Nancy

Dennis was a good person that I had the privilege to teach economics with at RCTC.  He was always quick with a friendly smile and had an engaging humorous perspective on world events.  He always loved to share stories of his time in Venezuela and his family.    I’m glad I got the opportunity to get to know him.  Rest in peace my friend.

Dennis,

I don’t think I ever told you this enough, but you changed my life.

When I first got here, I was just a kid trying to figure things out, far from home and everything I knew. You didn’t have to do anything for me, but you did. You welcomed me in like I belonged. Not just into your home, but into your family.

You made a place feel like home when I needed it the most.

I’ll always remember the weekends, the rides to the farm, the time spent just talking, walking, and being around you and your family. Those moments meant more than I probably showed back then. You had a way of making things feel simple, real, and good.

You didn’t just take care of your own, you looked out for people. You gave without expecting anything back. That’s rare. And I was lucky enough to experience that firsthand.

I saw the kind of man you were, as a father, as a husband, as a son, as a friend. Just a genuinely good human being, the kind people respect and don’t forget.

To the Lawler family, thank you for sharing Dennis with so many of us. My heart is with you, and I’m truly sorry for your loss.

I’m far away now, but this one hits close. I feel it.

Thank you for everything you gave me, for the kindness, the time, and the way you made me feel like I had a place when I needed one.

Rest easy, Dennis. You did more than you probably ever realized.

You’ll always be remembered.

Sad to hear of Dennys passing.

We dated in college and he was always such a gentleman.  Those were the days when we both were innocent and remained so.

Fond memories of just walking and exploring the parks around Mankato.