Dennis M. Onderick

Dennis Michael Onderick, 77, of Moorhead, MN died Friday, June 6, 2025, in Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Dennis Onderick was born on December 8, 1947, in Berkeley, California. He was born with cerebral palsy, and doctors told his parents that he would never walk. His mother did not accept that diagnosis, and she worked with him daily until he learned to walk on his own. Those who knew Dennis are aware that he retained his drive for independence for the rest of his life.

When he was about six years old, he moved back to the Midwest with his mother and brother.

They eventually settled in Moorhead and Dennis attended Moorhead High School, where he sang in the choir and served as the manager of the football team. He graduated in 1965 and went on to attend Moorhead State College. He earned his bachelor's degree in English in 1971. He then earned additional credits in education and special education, and was certified by the State of Minnesota to teach Middle School English and Special Education in 1973.

Dennis never worked as a teacher, but he held various jobs throughout his life, including work as a telephone operator for AT&T, at the Fergus Falls State Hospital, and at Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living in Moorhead.

While he was attending college, Dennis encountered the Baha'i Faith. He was an active Baha'i for the rest of his life, traveling to attend conferences, making many friends, and serving as a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Moorhead.

Dennis had many interests. A lifelong sports fan, he loved the Twins and the Vikings, and he was a loyal supporter of the Moorhead Spuds and the MSU Dragons. He had a lively sense of humor, and enjoyed inventing puns and sharing jokes with friends and care providers. Dennis did not allow his disability to define him. He was active in outdoor activities, attended Camp Courage several years, went fishing with his mother, and made two canoe trips to the Boundary Waters Wilderness.

He traveled to Boston, Virginia, Idaho and many other places to celebrate family events. He was always a supporter and advocate for others experiencing disability.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother Charlotte, father Michael, and stepfather Obert. He is survived by his brother Michael, niece Heather, nephew Peter, and grand-nephews Noah and Pablo.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 2-3 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 3 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. A livestream of the memorial gathering will be available below and begin at 3 p.m.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.