DeWayne "Dewey" Allen Toutges

Dewey Toutges, age 69, of rural Sunburg (Monson Lake), passed away Monday, September 1, at his residence, following an extended illness.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by his funeral service at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 5, at the Atwater Community Center in Atwater. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Atwater. Memorials to honor Dewey's life may be directed to the A.L.S. Association, 1919 University Ave. W. #175, St. Paul, MN  55303.  Dewey requested that those in attendance please wear your favorite flannel or camo shirt.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Dewey was born on December 2, 1955, in Willmar, MN, son of Donald Toutges and Irene (Johnson) Toutges. He grew up in Atwater, MN, and graduated from Atwater High School in 1973. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and playing music with anyone who shared his passion, which led him to meet his future wife, Sherri, whom he later called his “Pioneer Woman.” They married at the Church of St. Patrick in Kandiyohi, MN, on September 26, 1981. Together, they built their home on Games Lake where they raised their two children, Jesse and April. He had a strong work ethic from an early age. He first worked at the local locker plant in Atwater, then built silos for Hanson Silo Company and helped local concrete companies. His driven personality and attention to detail paved the way for him to start his own concrete business, Toutges Masonry, which he operated until his ALS became too advanced to work on the job site. Although ALS may have slowed his mobility, he continued to be a guiding force for his son Jesse, who took over the business.

Dewey loved the outdoors and had an imagination that wouldn’t rest. There wasn’t much that distracted him from work or house projects except for hunting, especially duck opener and deer season, but he often snuck in some work outside of prime hunting times. He enjoyed hunting with his family, visiting loved ones, playing cards, operating a skid loader, listening to music, and making music, whether playing the guitar, accordion, or occasionally the harmonica. He also enjoyed watching his grandkids grow. Dewey appreciated and saw beauty in things most people overlooked, as shown by his collection of paintings, antiques, and historical artifacts.

Dewey bravely battled ALS for three years, with his loving wife by his side, caring for him every day. Despite being immobile due to his ALS, his determination persisted, and together they built their final home on Monson Lake. Their 43-year marriage stood as a beautiful testament to their deep commitment and strength, weathering life's ups and downs. Together, they shared countless adventures, including hunting, trapping, fishing, road trips, and visits to Jamaica and Alaska, creating cherished memories and stories that are guaranteed to bring a good laugh. As his ALS advanced, their love was tested in ways few could imagine. Although there were dark days, they faced each challenge together and found many joys in their final years together.

Dewey is survived by his wife, Sherri Toutges, and two children, Jesse (and Monica) of Sunburg and April (and Shane) of Sunburg; three grandchildren, Mason Toutges, Kaden Toutges, and Grace Toutges. Also surviving are his brother, Donnie (and Vicky) Toutges of Cosmos, sister, Diane (and Kent) Smith of Atwater, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Virginia Toutges, and friend and co-battler of ALS, Dave.

Dewey and his family gratefully acknowledge your visits, thoughtful prayers, kind words of comfort and your presence here today.