Dennis Nustad, age 82 of Maple Grove, Minnesota, died October 12, 2021.

He was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Dennis graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism in 1962. After graduating, he spent time with the Peace Corp in Peru. He then went on to be a writer and account manager for the advertising agency BBDO, ending his career in 1994 as a VP Account Supervisor. As a real-life “Mad Man,” some of his accounts included 3M, Hormel Foods, Cargill, Pilsbury, Burlington Northern, Dodge, and more.

Working for one of the biggest ad companies in the world, Dennis forged many strong relationships, and he used his connections to make change and support his favorite causes. He helped implement communications strategies for Superbowl XXVI, the United Way’s Success By 6 campaign, and the Minneapolis Youth Trust. Junior Achievement was one of his favorite causes because he wanted to help kids grow up to know and understand an entrepreneurial spirit. During his prime, he loved to play and coach tennis. He also supported young people in the community as they developed interesting business ideas, thus he was known to many and loved as “Coach” and “Denny.”

Dennis was a quintessential “idea man” and creative person, always full of dreams and plans. Because of his writing background, he was a bit of a grammar snob, and often sent letters and emails to different groups and individuals correcting their errors. Even with his strong opinions, he had many friends, and with the rise of the internet, he formed strong bonds with many people overseas.

Dennis appreciated good food, and he loved to cook. His bookshelves were always full of cookbooks, and his kitchen was always well-stocked with the highest quality tools and ingredients. He especially enjoyed baking bread. And of course, he celebrated his Norwegian heritage by cooking traditional dishes like lutefisk and lefse during the holidays.

Choral music was near and dear to his heart, and as a true Minnesotan, he loved the Concordia Choir and St. Olaf Choir. One highlight of each Christmas season was listening to traditional music from these local choirs and others as well.

When he retired, Dennis had more time to enjoy gardening and nature. He loved to grow heirloom tomatoes in big pots on his deck, and he invited orioles to visit in spring and summer by offering grape jelly (it had to be Smuckers!). As a sports fan, he particularly loved watching football, the Olympics, big tennis matches like the French Open, and biking events like the Tour de France. He was even known to wake up in the middle of the night to catch some of the events live.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Ellen Nustad. He is survived by his chosen family, Charles and Christina Nguyen and their three children, Miriya, Diane, and Leo.

A private interment will be held on October 15, 2021 at Mound Cemetery in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Memorials preferred to Audubon Minnesota.