August 16, 1956 - July 13, 2022
Kurt Dalnes, age 65, of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully at home on July 13, 2022. Kurt was born in St. Paul on August 16, 1956 and graduated from Shadle Park High School in Spokane, WA in 1974. Kurt enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served on active duty for over two years, and was awarded a National Defense Service Medal. Of his time aboard the USS Sacramento, he later wrote, “Best days of my life!”
Using the training he began in the Navy, Kurt went on to earn a vocational HVAC certification from St. Paul Tech and hold several advanced boiler licenses. He spent over 40 years dedicated to his career as a building maintenance engineer, holding multiple roles throughout the Twin Cities, and retiring from Hennepin County in 2021. Kurt was most proud of his contributions helping the Hennepin County libraries automate their HVAC systems and left a legacy there by mentoring and training the next generation of facilities staff.
In his personal time, Kurt was a passionate expert of geography, relentlessly quizzing his friends and family members on state and national capital cities. He was fluent in American Sign Language and always eager to teach a few signs to anyone who was curious. He also enjoyed baking, gardening, computer golf, Gonzaga basketball, and beers with friends and neighbors. Kurt’s loyalty and eccentricity are fondly remembered by many.
He is survived by his loving partner, Kimberly Dalnes; daughters, Breanne Rothstein and Sarallyn Gumke; grandchildren, Alexis, Collin, Lucy, Emma, and Landon; and brothers, Jeffrey (Judy) and Peter (Kathy). Kurt is also survived by a number of lifelong friends to whom he was deeply devoted. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Lilas; stepson, Benjamin Pitchford; and sister and brother-in-law Vicky and Keith Uphoff.
Kurt will be honored and committed to his final rest on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 9:15 am at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. That same day, we will celebrate his life at the Bloomington Event Center (1114 American Boulevard West) between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. All are welcome at both events.
Graveside Service
Thursday, August 25, 2022
9:30 AM
Meet at Assembly Area 4 by 9:15AM
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55450
Gathering
Thursday, August 25, 2022
10:30-1:30PM
Bloomington Event Center
1114 American Boulevard West
Bloomington, Minnesota 55420
We will miss our brother!
He was filled with knowledge about so many topics!
He loved his family and missed those who have passed before us! He’s now in their arms, laughing and loving them!
Sending our love to his family.
Kurt, you were my dear friend. I miss you already, and I’m sorry that I was not fully there for you in your last few weeks. We fought and laughed together, solved a lot of boiler and heating problems together, and loved each other. I know our last meeting here on earth will not be our very last, I will see you again, my friend! Love you Brother!
Kurt will be missed by all of his neighbors. He was kind and easy to talk to. My dogs loved him!
I still look for him to come outside to say hi when I take my dogs out in the back yard. He was our neighbor for many years. His absence is felt every day.
Rest in peace, Kurt.
From Deryl and Metta
Kurt, you will forever be in my heart. I have already missed your presence at work since your retirement, and I will most certainly miss our lunches together. We didn’t get to meet up in June but im sure we will again one day. I feel honored to have met you and worked with you. We were always a good team, and even though I was your boss you felt like a brother to me. RIP my friend. I will always remember you with a smile.
Enjoyed the many discussions and comments over the years. Glad we shared a bit of the Sacramento.