Dennis Leland Sands, 96, a longtime Brainerd resident, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd.

Dennis was born April 19, 1930, in Minneapolis, the son of Perry and Ragna (Warp) Sands. After graduating from Robbinsdale High School, Dennis enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1950-54, including the Korean conflict. A lifelong patriot, he remained incredibly proud of his service and his country throughout his life.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dennis made his way to the Brainerd Lakes Area, where his family owned land. It was in Brainerd that he met Joyce Johnson while the two were singing together in the church choir. Their friendship soon became something more, and they married, beginning a life together that would span an incredible 69 years.

With his attention to detail, Dennis built a long and successful career with Potlatch, where he served in the Operations Control area before retiring after 35 years. Upon retirement, he volunteered at St Joseph’s Medical Center. Outside of work, Dennis enjoyed the company of good friends and family. In his younger years, Dennis and Joyce took up square dancing with friends. Dennis had a strong faith and served Trinity Lutheran Church as President and council member for many years. Dennis loved to golf with his son Mike and his close friends. He was an avid reader, fisherman, and liked the challenge of a good crossword puzzle.

Naturally more reserved, Dennis wasn’t one to seek the spotlight. Instead, he quietly nurtured close friendships and treasured the people in his life. His family, his friendships, his faith, and the life he built with Joyce meant a great deal to him. After retirement, Dennis and Joyce enjoyed wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with their dear friends, Ginger and Roger.

Dennis will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 69 years, Joyce; children, Natalie (Larry) Embertson, Mike (Rebecca) Sands, Jodie (Delray) Dahl, and Amy (Mark Christopherson) Sands; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Ashley) Sands, Sarah Sands, Katie (Justin) Bentz, Mark Sands, Bethany (Lucas) Tschida, Erica (Andrew) Braun, Jenna (Dillon Solid) Dahl, Grant Mathiason, Gretchen Mathiason, Jaret Embertson, and Abigail (Chris Rathey) Dahl; great-grandchildren, Autumn, Tate, Axton, William, Ryan, Julia, Cole, Greta, Ava, Westin, and Evan; sister, Diane Eiker; and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Ragna; sisters, Donna and Marilyn; and brother, Delburt.

Please join Dennis’s family for a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 1:00 p.m. and stay for light fare following the service. Private interment will take place at Vaale Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, Brainerd, MN.