Dennis Edward Watt

Watt, Dennis Edward, age 80, passed away peacefully in Wayzata, MN, surrounded by family and love, following a hard fought, 15-month battle with brain cancer. Preceded in death by wife, Judy Watt (Larson) and parents, Charles and Lucille. Survived by wife, Julie (Owen); sons, Adam (Theressa) and Andy (Allison), and grandsons, Harrison, Charlie and Hugo; brother, Dale (Judy Jo) and countless other family and friends.

Born in Duluth, Dennis moved to Minneapolis as a young boy. He graduated Robbinsdale High School in 1959.  After a few years attending the University of Minnesota, his entrepreneurial spirit drove him and his best friend, Dave Peterson, to start a printing company in an old garage in Robbinsdale. In addition to getting his business started, Dennis was incredibly active in the community, running the Robbinsdale Teen Center, chairing events of the Aquatennial celebration, actively participating in groups like the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and even owning a Dairy Queen. However, his printing company, Watt/Peterson, Inc. became his passion and a great success. Dennis and Dave grew the business eventually moving it to Plymouth, MN. For the better part of 40 years, Watt/Peterson operated as one of the highest quality, most respected printing companies in the country.

While his entrepreneurial story was incredible, it was his unmatched generosity, loyalty and faith that truly defined him. Dennis was an active mentor, advisor and go-to volunteer throughout his lifetime. He was incredibly active in his faith communities and often leveraged Watt/Peterson as a force for good, helping to grow several non-profits and faith communities by donating printing. In his spare time, Dennis put his energy into two great passions: flying and his home (Whispering Point) on the North Shore. To experience either alongside him was to truly know him. Whether skiing, wood splitting, sitting by a fire, or co-piloting a joyride in his Malibu Mirage, Dennis’ charm, warm heart and hospitality was infectious and made all who knew him, love him. But more than anything, Dennis was an incredibly dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. His passion for hard work and family, love of travel, traditions on the North Shore, and strong faith have been passed through to his sons and grandsons. He will never be forgotten, and his legacy will live on through all those he has touched.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 17th from 4:00-6:30 PM at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 East Wayzata Boulevard, Wayzata and one hour prior to the service at church. Funeral  service will be held at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth on Saturday, June 18th at 11:00 AM, with a lunch to follow. Memorials preferred to St. Philip the Deacon, Lutsen Lutheran, or Mayo Clinic brain tumor research. We’d like to close by thanking the amazing staff of Folkestone Presbyterian Homes in Wayzata, MN for their loving care of Dennis over the past 10 months.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis Edward Watt, please visit our floral store.