Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Denny Land
Denny Land was born March 3, 1944, the firstborn child to Vernus and Vivian (Silkey) Land. Denny was living his best life on the family farm and loved being his dad’s little sidekick. Sadly, things changed in 1953 when Vernus passed away from cancer. The farm was later sold and he moved into town with his mother and two sisters but the farm held a special place in his heart throughout his lifetime. No trip to Carrington was complete without a drive to his former country home. Denny’s favorite hobbies as a young man were archery and roller skating with friends. He was smooth as glass on a pair of skates!
Denny enlisted in the Air Force in June 1962. He received his technical training at Shepard Air Force Base in Texas, then on to England Air Force Base in Louisiana. From there, he was assigned to temporary duty abroad doing in-flight refueling in the Azores before being deployed to Vietnam. Denny was honorably discharged in June 1966, having been awarded the small arms expert marksmanship and Vietnam service medal.
Denny worked at Hector airport in Fargo as an airplane mechanic following his military service and was later employed at Swanston Equipment as a bobcat mechanic for several years.
It was during this time that he met and married Anne Zumpf, they were together for 23 years.
Denny became an over the road truck driver and was proud to have logged nearly a million miles on the road.
On December 26, 1993, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Ford in Devils Lake, ND. They made their home in Phoenix, AZ before moving to Maple Grove, MN where they remained.
Denny had a passion for airplanes, motorcycles, CB radios and model cars. He belonged to the Gold Wing Roadriders Association and the Patriot Guard Riders, the Heart of Minnesota Great Dane Club, as well as the Great Dane Club of America. Together Denny and Mary Ann raised and cared for their eight Great Danes over the years. Denny’s prized possession was his Gold Wing motorcycle, which he later converted to a trike allowing him to continue riding up until the past couple of years.
Denny was a patient man with a kind and gentle spirit. He treasured his lifelong friendships and any opportunity to gather with both family and friends.
He overcame some serious health issues in the recent years, but on February 3, 2023, he lost his final battle.
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann and faithful companion Sadie, sister Patty (Jerome) Zink, brother-in-law Bob (Kathaleen) Ford, sister-in-law Sarah (Ford) O’Clair and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father Vernus, mother Vivian Land (Price) and sister Diane Land (Pierce).
There will be a celebration of Denny’s life on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Maple Grove, MN. Community Center from 11:00-2:00. Committal Service will take place at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 2:00PM.
Memorials can be sent to the Minnesota Patriot Guard Riders, PO Box 201855, Bloomington MN, 55420.
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Elaine and I were friends with Denny since 1964. He was such a giving person, and didn’t expect anything in return. He was quiet, proud of his Air Force/Vietnam service and passionate in his involvement with cycling groups. He’ll be missed by so many people. We’re glad he was a part of our lives for so long.
Our sincerest condolences to Mary Ann, Patty and the rest of the Land/Ford families.
23 years with Denny and his sharing his entire family with me throughout the years showed his kind and generous spirit.
My condolences go out to the family and to Mary Ann.
Rest in peace Big Guy.
Patty and family, we are sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. Surely you have a lot of fond memories to keep his memories with you.
Our condolences to Mary Ann & family!
We met Denny (a gold wing member) at a Patriot Guard flag signing at the VFW in Monticello in 2011. We walked in and we knew nobody; however, we sat down at a table with a couple Patriot Guard members. The members were very helpful, friendly and supportive of the veterans. Little did we know, that it was Denny & Shed from Ch Q. We joined GWRRA in January 2012 and said we know those two from the Patriot Guard. We have been friends ever since.
Denny took charge of the flag presentation at our district rally, making sure we had all the military services representative. This past year Denny provided ‘thank you gifts’ for all the military members that helped in flag presentation.
Denny was very proud of his military time and assisting veterans.
We will miss Denny’s willingness to jump / assist and his helpful spirit.
Patty so sorry to hear of your loss Prayers for you and your family
Patty, sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I didn’t know Denny, but if he was anything like you, he was a keeper!!
Sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. Our condolences to Mary Ann and family. We got to know Denny when attending GWRRA events especially during the Flag Presentations. Saw by him at some of the chapter fundraisers and teased him when he won a raffle saying it was suppose to be mine. We will miss this quiet gentle person.
Denny was my friend for over 30 years. He moved away, buy we kept in contact, and visited everytime he rode his motorcycle to Fargo.
Rest easy my friend.
As a newcomer to Great Danes, Denny (and Mary Ann) welcomed me to their home and showed me the ropes of taping — Denny was always fun to chat with ringside. I felt so grateful and always loved catching up with Denny over the years. Much love to you, Mary Ann and the Land family.
Sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. He is so alive in my memories of him coming to our office. It is difficult to think of his passing so I choose to let my memories keep him alive.sending my thoughts and love to you MaryAnn. Always Sharon
My heart is there celebrating your life, missing your presence and
remembering our so many hugs through the years.