Denise Kugler

Denise Kugler, 59, of Underwood, died Monday, December 23, 2024 at her residence.

Denise Van Gerpen was born August 26, 1965, to Donald and Lorraine (Glenn) Van Gerpen in Pleasant Hill, CA. Her family moved to Edwards, MN in 1972 where they ran a small store called Van's Grocery. She attended school in Pelican Rapids, graduating in 1983. While in high school she met the love of her life, Danny Kugler. They were married June 11, 1983, at Tonseth Lutheran Church in Edwards, MN. They shared 41 beautiful years together. After the wedding Denise attended Ritter Beauty School in Fergus Falls. After graduating from beauty school, she worked at Regis in Fergus Falls where she worked until the summer of 1990.

On September 15, 1990, Danny and Denise welcomed their first child, Skylar, to the family and on July 6, 1993, their son, Taylor was born. The family was complete. Denise had worked as a waitress at places such as Graystone and The Holiday Inn. In April of 1998 Denise was hired at what is now called BW Integrated Systems. She worked there for 26 years as an accounts payable coordinator.

Denise loved fiercely and loved to spend as much free time with family and friends as possible. She had a beautiful soul and made friends wherever she went. Her love for animals, especially horses, started at a young age, she was gifted a pony from her grandfather at six years old and the rest was history.

Denise's hobbies included spending time with family, camping and trail riding with her husband, Danny and their friends, cooking and baking delicious food, traveling, listening to music and going to concerts, funny movies and laughing in general, spending time snuggled up with her beloved dogs, and being a grandma.

Denise is survived by her husband, Danny Kugler; her daughter, Skylar (Cedric) King; son, Taylor (Brittney) Kugler; granddaughter, Scarlett King; step-grandson, Ethan King; sisters, Vicki Wichelmann, Lois Condon, JoAnn Emery, Linda Gerdes, and Vicki Warner; brother, Glen Nickelson, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Donald and Lorraine Van Gerpen; brother, Charles "Bud" William Nickelson III; father and mother-in-law, Harry and Nora Kugler, and brother-in-law, Gene Wichelmann.

Celebration of Life Gathering: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Eagles Aerie 120 S. Peck Street Fergus Falls, MN.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls,

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com