Dennis R. Pond, age 81, of Eagan, Minnesota, passed away on September 22, 2026. Dennis was born on October 17, 1944, in Brookings, South Dakota.
Dennis grew up in the small town of Arlington, South Dakota, where his love of sports began at an early age. He played just about every sport he could, but baseball and softball held a special place in his heart. His talent was evident even as a young teenager, when he was invited to play in the town’s adult baseball league. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1963 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Dakota State University in 1967.
On September 2, 1967, Dennis married the love of his life, Genevieve “Jenny” May, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madison, South Dakota. Together, they built a life centered on family and shared experiences. They were blessed with three children: Jason Pond, Kathryn (Scott) Haas, and Jaclyn (Aaron) Cook.
Dennis and Jenny eventually made their home in Prior Lake, Minnesota, where they raised their family and spent more than three decades creating a lifetime of memories together. They enjoyed the simple things in life—walking their dogs, reading, working in the garden, and spending time together. Dennis and Jenny shared 40 years of marriage before Jenny lost her battle with cancer. Her passing left a lasting void in Dennis’s life, and he carried his love for her with him always.
Sports remained an important part of Dennis’s life well into adulthood. He continued playing softball and was a co-founder and player in the 35-and-over baseball program known as the MSMABA. His dedication to the game and contributions to the program were later recognized with his induction into the MSMABA Hall of Fame.
Dennis also had a lifelong passion for golf. He was a longtime member of CreeksBend Golf Course and spent many happy hours on the course. One of his proudest golfing moments came when he achieved the rare and unforgettable feat of making a hole-in-one.
Above all, Dennis loved his family. He will be remembered for the life he built, the memories he created, and the many ways he shared his passions with the people around him.
Dennis is survived by his three children, Jason Pond, Katie (Scott) Haas, and Jacki (Aaron) Cook; his sisters, Barbara Halseth and Joann (Joe) Ward; and his grandchildren, Kaleb Pond, Isabel Cook, and Carolyn Cook.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jenny Pond, and his brother-in-law, Del Halseth.
A Catholic funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Bruzek Funeral Home, 610 Main Street East, New Prague, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Wounded Warrior Project.