Dennis Medenwaldt

Dennis William Medenwaldt was born to Fred and Ella (Heesch) Medenwaldt on February 7, 1922 in Estevan, Canada. At the age of 6 his parents moved to Hankinson, ND where he grew up and attended school. He graduated from Hankinson High School in 1940. In 1942 he entered the army and served as a radio operator, mechanic, and gunner on a B-24 Liberator. In April of 1944 his aircraft was shot down over Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Of the crew of 10, he was one of three survivors, all three becoming prisoners of war in Germany. He was liberated in May of 1945 and discharged from the Army Air Corps in November of 1945. Shortly thereafter he moved to Wahpeton, ND. He married Leone Lenzmeier on March 7, 1947 in Wahpeton. He had various jobs including owning a restaurant before reentering the US Air Force in 1948. Dennis and his wife, Leone, spent much of their lives in service to their country, spending time in various parts of the world. After retiring from the USAF he went to work for North Dakota Job Service, serving as a Veterans Services Representative as well as other roles in both Minot, ND and Wahpeton, ND. He retired from Job Service North Dakota in 1986.
Dennis will be remembered for many things, not the least of which was his lifelong dedication to his country and community service. He had a 26 year career in the military, including being a Prisoner of War during WWII and serving time in Vietnam. He retired in 1971 as a Chief Master Sergeant. Among his numerous decorations were the Bronze Star, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, two Commendation Medals and a Distinguished Unit Citation. Throughout his life he played a role in the American Legion (serving as Legion District Commander in 1988), 40 et 8, Minot WWII Last Man's Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Eagles, Lions, and Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Leone (Lenzmeier) Medenwaldt, three daughters—Vicki Jeter of Sacramento, CA, Denise Woodbury, Spanaway, WA, and Holli Aparicio, Maple Grove, MN. He will also be missed dearly by his six grandchildren, four great grandchildren and his great-great granddaughter.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for its compassionate and attentive care of Dennis in his last weeks of life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to: Hospice and Palliative Care Program, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Voluntary Services Department (Mail Route 135), 1 Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417