Dennis's Story

"Godfather for Those in Need"

Dennis spends his days making sure that food banks have the food that they need and that the homeless have sandwiches, hygiene kits and warm clothes. You could say that he is continuing a family tradition of looking out for those in need. You could go so far as to call him a Godfather for those in need.

Dennis was born in Imperial, MO. The fourth boy of five children, his family worked in the fields on their 50-acre farm and sold their produce on the weekends.

Dennis’ dad was generous to people who needed food even if they couldn’t pay. He would write their name and what they owed on a pad of paper, but even if they never paid him back, it was ok; he couldn’t stand for anyone to be hungry.  

In addition to their farming, Dennis’ mom was his 3-year-old Sunday School teacher. He and his siblings were active in their youth group and had a lot of friends at church. Dennis’ dad participated in a swap at church - he would stay in the city for a week while someone from the city would come and live in the country.  When Dennis’ dad came home, he took a truckload of produce into the city to distribute to those who needed it.

Dennis’ parents mentored Dennis on loving others by sharing your blessings.  Dennis said, “I am blessed and don’t want others to go hungry or to be in need of things.”  

Dennis met his wife, Ruth, at church when he was in college. Ruth’s dad was a Lutheran pastor, and they shared the same Lutheran faith.After college, Dennis and Ruth got married and Dennis was called to serve in the military. They moved to Washington, DC where he delivered furniture to those in need as part of a program at his church.

Since joining Good Shepherd, Dennis has been an active member of various service ministry teams, a volunteer with Annie Malone, and is on the Steering Committee of Feed the Need. He works with Feed my People and Sister Christine to make sure that they have food. He also makes sandwiches and hygiene kits for those who are homeless in Soulard.

Good Shepherd is blessed to have so many service ministries and outreach events. It is through the continued giving of the congregation that we are able to serve our larger community in St. Louis and throughout the world. Especially during Advent, Dennis is an inspiration to us all on how to love your neighbor as yourself and to reach out to those in need.