Dennis Joseph Lawler Sr., 81, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026 at Rochester Methodist Hospital.

Dennis was born on July 14, 1944 in Rochester to Clare and Mary (Pierce) Lawler. He graduated from Lourdes High School in 1962. He then attended Mankato State University, graduating with a degree in English. He later obtained Masters Degrees in Agricultural Economics and Spanish. He valued his time in the US Peace Corps while stationed in Manila, Philippines. While Dennis was teaching at the University in Venezuela in 1981 he met Martha Camacho. They were then married in 1986. The couple lived in San Fernando, Apure, Venezuela where Dennis taught Economics at UNELLEZ University. In 1997, they moved their family to Rochester, MN where Dennis began teaching English to ESL students for Rochester Public Schools and teaching at Rochester Community and Technical College until the time of his passing. During this time, he also taught Spanish at Lourdes High School. Dennis was a social person who loved to greet and talk with anyone he encountered. He was a kind, generous soul to all those he knew and loved.

He is survived by his wife Martha of Rochester, his children Myra Powers of Crystal, MN, Daniela (Garrett) Stock of Farmington, MN, Dennis Joseph Jr. (McKena) Lawler of Rochester, his siblings Helen (Jim) Frigaard, Jerome Lawler, Gerald Lawler, Richard (Sharon) Lawler and Mary (Alex) Kilen, five grandchildren Brandon, Matthew, Carl, Wade and Vivienne.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Mary Ann Lawler.

The Funeral Mass for Dennis will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 11:00AM at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. Visitation will be held Monday evening, March 30, 2026 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home along with one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, MN.

Memorials are preferred to Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com