Dennis Jerome Schaust, age 63, left us for his heavenly home unexpectedly on Monday, November 24, 2025, following complications from a routine surgery. His sudden passing has left his family and friends in shock and deeply saddened. He was born on December 19, 1961, to Mathias and Estelle (Hance) Schaust in Buffalo,
MN.

Growing up, as the youngest of five boys and the sixth of seven children, Dennis developed a deep and lifelong passion for sports. He was particularly fond of softball, spending many years on the diamond as an avid and competitive player with his brothers and father. He was also a loyal fan of Minnesota sports and especially enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings. He lived his life based on his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ who was the cornerstone of his existence, providing him with a profound sense of purpose, strength, and comfort through all of life’s trials and joys. Dennis could always be counted on to put in a hard day’s work. He valued manual labor and worked hard his entire life. He was the guy who cut off his sleeves, showed up early and stayed until the job was done.

He possessed a personality defined by a deep loyalty, making him a steadfast friend and family member. This reliability was balanced by his naturally social nature; he had a magnetic quality that drew people to him, effortlessly navigating conversations and finding connection in any group. Behind his pleasant demeanor was a keen and intelligent mind, allowing him to quickly grasp complex ideas, offer thoughtful insights, and approach challenges with a sharp, problem-solving perspective.

Dennis held a genuine and enduring love for his children and their families. His children were the most important thing in his life. He was immensely proud of them and cherished the role of grandfather to his four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Matt Sr.; mother, Estelle; brother, Matt Jr.; brother Mike, and infant siblings Mary and David.
He is survived by children, Keely (Ryan) Couillard, and Cameron (Shelby) Schaust; grandchildren, Macallan, Maeli, Maryk, and Harrison; siblings/in-laws, Lynn (Randy) Wendt, Lori (Mike) Schaust, Ed (Mary Jo) Schaust, John (Barb) Schaust, Becky (Jim) Bakken; and many other nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in his memory.

A funeral took place at 11 am on Friday, December 12, 2025, at The Highlands Church in Delano with a visitation of family and friends prior at 10 am.

The Highlands: 680 Woodland Rd, Delano, MN 55328

A gathering with lunch took place immediately following the funeral on December 12, at the Hollywood Store.

Hollywood Store: 15950 County Rd 122, Watertown, MN 55388

Inurnment will be at a later date in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Watertown.