Dennis "Denny" Kreibich

Dennis “Denny” Kreibich, 78, of Little Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5th, at St. Otto’s Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 10th, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Belle Prairie, MN, with Father Joe Herzing officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11th, at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston, MN: address: 1220 Memorial Drive, Crookston, MN 56716.

Denny was born on August 31st, 1946, in Crookston, MN, to the late Jeanne (Barlow) and Gerald Kreibich. He attended Cathedral High School, an all-boys school, graduating in 1964. A proud and gifted athlete, Denny excelled in football as a D lineman, hockey as a goalie and baseball as catcher. His love of sports, coupled with his grit and competitive drive, defined his school years. After high school, Denny served his country with pride in the Army National Guard for six years. On August 16, 1969, he married the love of his life, Mary Jo Skalsky, in Ada, MN. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in family, faith, and community. Denny’s strong work ethic began early. At age 15, he started working at the family business, Barlow Furniture and Appliance, eventually taking over the store and continuing its 50-year legacy until its closure in 1995. He and Mary Jo enjoyed traveling across the country on many incentive trips over the years, creating wonderful memories along the way. Following the store’s closing, Denny continued his passion for serving others while working at Home of Economy in Grand Forks, ND. Known for his kindness, dedication, and warm personality, he took great pride in helping every customer who walked through the door.

Denny’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He was deeply devoted to them and found immense happiness sharing his lifelong love of sports, especially hockey. He coached youth hockey for many years, including leading the 1983 Crookston Pee-Wee A team to a state championship—an achievement driven by his leadership and encouragement. Earlier in life, he played for the Senior Pirates hockey team and also enjoyed several years playing fast-pitch softball. Among his most treasured memories were the many winters spent building a backyard hockey rink, where his children and grandchildren gathered to skate during the holidays. He even joined them on the ice himself, creating cherished family traditions that will be remembered for generations. Denny was also a dedicated community leader. He was an active member of the Crookston Jaycees, served with the Crookston Chamber of Commerce, and proudly held the role of president of the Crookston Lions Club, always eager to give back to his community. For more than 40 years, Denny and Mary Jo were part of a close-knit card club with lifelong friends, sharing countless evenings filled with cards, laughter, and golf trips—friendships that brought them great joy.

Above all, Denny cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and he treasured the friendships he built throughout his life.

Denny is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Jo Kreibich; his children, Todd Kreibich of Biwabik, Denise (Matt) Truso of Scottsdale, AZ, and Carmen (Paul) Johnson of Little Falls; and his beloved grandchildren, Hannah (Brian) Gowan, Keegan Kreibich, Camden Kreibich, Jaxon Kreibich, TJ Truso, Landon Johnson, Hayden Johnson, Coltin Johnson, and Isabella Johnson. He is also survived by his sister, Debbie (Jerry) Hasbrouck of Crookston; brother-in-law, Mike Skalsky of Stockton, CA; sister-in-law, Cindy Skalsky of Battle Lake; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanne (Barlow) and Jerry Kreibich; his brother-in-law, Ed Skalsky of Battle Lake; his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Myrna Skalsky of Pine River; and his sister-in-law, Sharon Skalsky of Stockton, CA.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Denny