Dennis Mark Bradshaw, of Sandstone, Minnesota, passed away at his home on July 13, 2024.  He was 71 years old.

Dennis was born in Springfield, IL on April 7, 1953.  He moved to St. Anthony Village, Minnesota in 1958.  He graduated from St Anthony High School in 1971. He was a standout wrestler for the high school team and won multiple conference and regional championships.

After graduation he served in the US Navy and continued to wrestle, he went on to win the West Coast Bantam Weight Wrestling Championship.  Dennis served during Vietnam, from 1971 to 1975 and completed another tour from 1978 to 1980.  On both tours he served as an Aviation Machinist Mate on the USS Ranger.

After his honorable discharge he worked as a painter, maintenance manager, and attended the School of Communication Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1979 and 1980 his two children, Sean and Sarah were born. Dennis met his wife Shelly in 1984. In 1986 Dennis and Shelly surrendered their lives to the Lord. They were married on June 17, 1989, in Roseville, MN. Dennis then went on to be ordained as a pastor through Masterbuilders Ministry and began his lifelong service in ministry and missions.

In 1998 they moved to Duluth where Dennis served as the Assistant Pastor for Redemption Ministries. He also worked for many years at Carey Construction in Hermantown. Dennis served as the Dean of Men for seven years at Duluth Teen Challenge. During their years in Duluth, Dennis and Shelly provided foster care for 61 children over six years, adopting eight.

In 2013 they moved to their farm in Sandstone, Minnesota and Dennis worked in the schools as an EBD Paraprofessional where he made a lasting impact on many children, families and coworker's lives.

Dennis had a thirst for knowledge, especially anything that involved history or archeology.  He was an active bicyclist, he also enjoyed working out and running. In 2015 he finished Grandma's Marathon in Duluth at the age of 65. He enjoyed reading and listening to music. He loved open fires, spending time with his family, and helping people.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Mary Bradshaw, his brother James Bradshaw, his parents-in-law, Anthony and Margaret Barrett, as well as other in-laws.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 35 years, Shelly, children; Sean (Kristine), Sarah (Bryan), Travis (Rebbeca), Emily, Joe, Ethan, Michael, Harmony, Heaven, Naya, and Lana, eight grandchildren, brother Craig and his twin brother, David, sisters; Brenda, Janet, and Micki, as well as a multitude of in-laws, nephews, nieces and many good friends.

Dennis will be laid to rest at a private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with military honors on August 6, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held for Dennis starting at 3 p.m. on August 6, 2024, at St. Paul Believers Fellowship, located at 580 Humboldt Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55107. Everyone is welcome.