I just read Dennis’ obituary. The beautiful words that were used to describe your brother’s life had me in tears. You see, we have never met. But, our lives are interwoven with similar life experiences. I have a younger brother born with Down’s. My parents were also told to put him in a home. They said no. I believe it was the best decison they made in their 65 yrs. of marriage. The life lessons and love our brother provided for our family, friends, and community are countless. Ones never learned in a book. As we face the unknown certainty called the future, my mind has wandered to thoughts of how best to honor his life that has brought so much happiness to us all. Your words were a beautiful tribute to your brother, and I too would like to honor him and value his life. So,I am asking permission that when it is our family’s time to say goodbye to our youngest brother to use Dennis’ obituary as a model to write our tribute to “our” angel. WIth deepest sympathy. May God’s peace be with your family.
Dennis W. Ochs
September 14, 1943 – February 4, 2012
Mass of Christian Burial will be 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Dennis W. Ochs, age 68, of Paynesville. Dennis passed away peacefully on February 4 at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville. Entombment will take place at the St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.
Dennis was born September 14, 1943 in Pipestone, MN to William and Katherine (Decker) Ochs, a beautiful baby boy. In those days, it was recommended that children with Down syndrome be placed in a home, someone that could care for them “properly”. But not Denny, his doctors told his parents to bring him home and treat him just like all the other Ochs children.
Most would think that having Down syndrome is a challenge. Being different, slow, it would be a struggle his whole life. Well, those of us who loved him know differently.
Denny lived in a body that had difficulty expressing and verbalizing. Although, if you wanted to know the name of a movie star or a musician from the 50’s he could rattle it off without hesitation. Elvis was by far his favorite!
The Lord gave us an angel, an angel right here on earth, a messenger from above! Although Denny did not have Degrees in education, he taught his family and those that he touched, the precious gifts of unconditional love, laughter and the joy of life.
Denny is survived by his sister Bonnie Peterson of Florence, AZ, brothers Thomas Ochs of Burnsville, William H. Ochs Jr.of Las Vegas, NV and James Ochs of Paynesville, as well as nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents William, Katherine Ochs and infant sister Linda Kay Ochs.
In Loving memory of Dennis Ochs.
Guestbook
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dennis will always be remembered by his love for Elvis and Batman.
Mike & Lil (Kiefer) Kunz
Dustin, Julie(Kunz) & Haylie Bentz
Michael Kunz JR.
Services
Visitation
St. Louis Catholic ChurchServices
St. Louis Catholic ChurchSchedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville for Dennis W. Ochs, age 68, of Paynesville. Dennis passed away peacefully on February 4 at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville. Entombment will take place at the St. Louis Parish Cemetery in Paynesville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.