In Loving Memory
Dennis A. Bortvit
January 18, 1952 - March 14, 2022

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday, March 26, 2022
2:00 - 6:00 P.M.
Holy Cross of the Resurrection Chapel
3205 335th Avenue (West side of Lost Island Lake)
Ruthven, Iowa

Dennis Bortvit was born January 18, 1952 to Norman and Frances Bortvit, and was raised on a farm near Graettinger, Iowa.  He attended school in Graettinger, graduating in 1970.  He still has many lifelong school friends from his school days.

In 1974, Dennis earned his B.A. Degree from Wartburg College, making another group of friends and lifelong pals.  After graduating from Wartburg, Dennis began his teaching and coaching career at the Woden-Crystal Lake School District, where he also remains in contact with friends.  In 1980 he made more memorable friends while teaching and coaching in the LeMars School District.

In 1984 Dennis married Cyndi Swingen and they made their home in LeMars for a few years before moving to Sioux City.  In 1987 Cyndi and Dennis moved to Sioux City, teaching in the Sioux City schools until 2000.  They again, made many dear and lifelong friends around the Sioux City area.

In 1994 Dennis and Cyndi bought a tiny cabin on the Missouri River in Nebraska, spending many enjoyable weekends and summers boating with friends and family, adding yet another group of "river friends".

In 2000 Dennis resigned from teaching and began a sales career finding himself with another cohort of friends.  He continued in sales until his retirement in 2020.  He sold logoed merchandise, mainly relating to all things sports.

After retiring in 2020, he and Cyndi moved back to his childhood home area, living on Lost Island Lake, near Ruthven, Iowa, leaving the Siouxland area after 40 plus years.

All his life Dennis was an avid sports fan.  He would watch sports on TV or attend games day and night, if possible.  His trivia knowledge about players in high school, college as well as the pros was surprising, and awed many who did not know his passion.  He umpired and coached throughout his educational career.  He also played on various rec teams.  Dennis played golf, basketball, fast pitch softball and even a little bowling.  To Dennis's family he was famous for breaking windows, playing catch in and around the family home, and listening to Twins games in the family car (sometimes wearing down the battery.)  He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, Minnesota Viking and Twins fan.  Although Dennis would be a fan of any, and all teams a good friend was passionate about.  In 1987 when the Twins won the World Series he put his arm around Cyndi and said, "I can now die a happy man." (Though he would have loved the Vikings winning at least one Super Bowl.)

Dennis will be remembered for his subtle wit and laugh and the smile that endeared him to his family and friends.  He had a personality that made people comfortable and at ease in his presence.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Cyndi of Ruthven, Iowa; two sisters, Diana (Leo) Beschorner of Waverly, Iowa and Mary (Dwight) Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Beth Bortvit of Georgia; precious nieces and nepehws, Laura (Travis) Schleuner of Garner, Iowa, Stephanie (Neil) Daugard of Britt, Iowa, Kara (Andy) Dewitt of Hanlontown, Iowa, Zachary  (Jessica) Beschorner of Waterloo, Iowa, Dawn (Isaac) Sunberg of Waverly, Iowa, Allison Johnson of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Ben (Kelly) Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Quintin Swingen, Galen Swingen, Larry Swingen and Krisit Swingen.

He was preceded in death by his father, Norman; his mother, Frances; and his brother, Michael.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home