Dennis Nau

Dennis B. Nau, 74, of Fergus Falls, MN, passed peacefully on November 14, 2023. He was born on September 22, 1949, in Laramore, ND to Isabel and James Nau.

In his professional life, Dennis was an entrepreneur and the owner of three unique businesses. A manufacturing company, an art gallery, and a restaurant.

Those who knew Dennis probably knew he had several patents, could solve almost any mathematical problem, authored three books and nearly 200 short stories and given enough time and beer could build, wire, or plumb anything. He served two terms as Gibbon’s mayor, enjoyed announcing for the Gibbon Reds despite their record, and as the official at Gallagher family reunions, somehow orchestrated every family softball game to end in a tie.

Despite his genius he ran out of gas at least 35 times in his lifetime. He forgot his readers and lost his credit card just as often. It was a running family joke that he should have the mittens little kids wear with the strings that run through the arms just so he wouldn't lose them.

His interests were eclectic. He held industrial patents in the computer and railroad industries and designed Rita, his wife, a hanging system for quilting tools and a camera system for quilting machines. Rita turned these into a business that is still in existence. Dennis even designed emergency gear mechanisms for NASA's Apollo flight when he was only 20 years old.

More importantly, Dennis was a loving husband of 54 years to Rita, an involved father, and a doting grandfather.

He is survived his wife, Rita (Gallagher) Nau, and his children: Jesse Radzwill and her husband Mark Radzwill, Dylan Nau and his wife Wendy Laine. Dennis was also blessed with six grandchildren: Kilee Radzwill, McCabe Radzwill, Isabella Radzwill, Hannah Radzwill, Lydia Nau, and Lawrence Nau. He was a beloved brother to Fr. Dale Nau, Steve Nau and his wife Larraine Nau, Patrick Nau, Mary O'Brien and her husband Mark O’Brien, and Marcia Flicker and her husband Dean Flicker. He leaves behind 22 nieces and nephews.

Dennis received his education from Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in Brooklyn Center, MN. He was proud to have graduated from DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, MN and The College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English (and sometimes Engineering depending on the job he was applying for).

Dennis had a passion for writing and good company. Since he retired, Dennis got out for a beer or two virtually every day. He said, “Drinking beer does not increase ones writing ability. Still,” he claimed, “drinking beer with a group of acquaintances over the period of a couple of years really does expand a person’s understanding of human nature. A man or woman will tell you secrets, they might not even tell their spouse, doesn’t matter if you drink regular beer or light beer. At times they actually tell you too much, more than you want to know.”

He picked up bits and pieces for his writing from family stories, internet searches, and from friends and strangers at the bar. Sometimes one would think he wasn’t really listening, but later, your tale would show up in a few lines in his latest short story. Dennis took down all you said and then charged you to read it.

His last writing was to his family. Part of what he wrote: “I would just like my family to know what a privilege it is for me to know the I am part of such a family. I did nothing in my life to deserve this.”

Visitation: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2023 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 207 N. Vine Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Mass: 12:00 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2023 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Lunch: Following mass at the American Legion, 2010 Pebble Lake Road Fergus Falls, MN
Raise a Glass to Dennis: 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2023 at Fergus Brewing, 1683 Ottertail Drive, Fergus Falls. The First round is on Dennis’ family.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com