Dennis Mathias Schatz

June 7, 1951 - April 1, 2019

Dennis Schatz, 67, of Fergus Falls died Monday, April 1, 2019, at Woodland Lodge in Fergus Falls. Dennis Mathias Schatz was born on June 7, 1951, in Bismarck, ND, to Millard and Phyllis (Schmidt) Schatz. He graduated from Shanley High School in Fargo, ND in 1969, and from NDSU in 1974 with a degree in Adaptive Special Education. While attending NDSU he was a member of the varsity football and basketball teams. He is in the NDSU Football Hall of Fame for the 1970 championship team. In 1974 he survived a plane crash with the NDSU basketball team while heading to Vermillion SD to play against USD, and as a great story teller could tell you all about it! After college Dennis was hired as an Adaptive Special Education Instructor at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. When the treatment center closed, he worked as a realtor at Coldwell Banker Preferred Partners for many years and retired in June 2018 to enjoy his life with Chris. Dennis coached basketball at Holy Spirit in Fargo, the FF YMCA swim team, and FF high school cross-country skiing team. Dennis enjoyed golf, scuba diving, racquetball, softball, volleyball, snorkeling, cross country skiing, fishing and cycling to name a few. His favorite place in the summer was his cabin on Jewett Lake, fishing, pontoon rides, and enjoying the lake life. He loved his two Cocker Spaniels, Buck and Penni. In his "free" time he was an avid reader; his knowledge of most everything was retained by his infinite memory. He cycled to Pikes Peak with Jeff Devaney several times. Tapping maple trees and boiling maple syrup in the spring helped fill the gap between winter and summer. Dale Hanson, Steve Eriksson and Dennis groomed cross-country ski trails in Eriksson woods. He and Jeff Devaney ran a cross-country ski shop, Performance Sports, that outfitted most of Fergus Falls and the region; he was a great salesman. Dennis was a member of the Fergus Falls YMCA Foundation Board of Directors and taught spin classes. He loved the "Y". It has always held a special place in his heart. Dennis was well versed in so many things. He could tell you about almost any species of birds or flowers. Hawaii was a regular winter retreat. Many memories were made with his friends, and just like the beauty of a Jewett lake sunset so he lived his life. Let’s all remember our friend, brother, son and husband! Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis and sister, Deb DeConcini. He is survived by his wife, Christine (Monson) Schatz; father, Millard (Donna); siblings, Duane (Trish), Doug, Karen McCloud, Jeff (Gretchen) and Greg (Linda); nieces and nephews. Memorials are preferred to the Fergus Falls YMCA Foundation. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Olson Funeral Home Chapel, Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Caleb Larson Interment: At a later date at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND Arrangements are with the Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls. Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com