Dennis James Lightbody

Dennis James Lightbody, 56, beloved husband of Jane Susan (Larson) died Monday, May 9, 2005 in St. Mary's Medical Center after complications from non-hodgkins lymphoma surrounded by his family and best friends. Dennis was born on April 7, 1949 in Cloquet to Charles and Loretta (Lee) Lightbody. A lifelong resident of Carlton, he graduated from Carlton High School in 1967 and the University of MN, Duluth with a degree in criminology and sociology. Dennis was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served from July 1969 to October 1970. Following his discharge he was a member of the MN Army and Air National Guard. While attending college he worked at St. Luke's Hospital, Miller Dwan Medical Center and SMDC Healthcare Systems in nursing. After college he worked in security at SMDC and the Black Bear Casino. On June 30, 1979 Dennis married Jane Larson. Throughout his life, Dennis loved working with youth. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Clear Creek Muzzle Loaders participating in Rendezvous and family camping trips. In addition to Jane, his wife of 26 years, Dennis is survived by his two sons, Nicholas and William, both of Carlton; sister, Elizabeth (Robert) Nelson of Hastings; brother, Charles "Butch" Lightbody of Morrow Bay, CA; mother and father-in-law, Jack and Lil Larson of Brooklyn Park; sister-in-law, Diane (Dan) Gredvig of Colorado Springs, CO and Mary (Stan) Kielb of Garden City, MI; brother-in-law, Mike (Kathy) Larson of Brooklyn Park; and five nieces and three nephews who were of great joy to him. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Ken Irons, Dr. Michael Maddy, Dr. Daniel Nikcevich, Dr. Michael Mollerus, Dr. Glen Albin, the staff of the Medical Intensive Care Unit, the Hospice Care Team, the Post Coronary Care Unit at St. Mary's Medical Center and the Fairview University of MN Medical Center Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic for their support and compassionate care. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, May 13, 2005 in St. Francis Catholic Church in Carlton. Burial was in Atkinson Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Carlton VFW. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home.