Dennis W. McGuire,

Hogeland, MT

Dennis was born in Kirkland, Washington to Donald and Helen McGuire on September 19, 1943.

He was raised in Hogeland, MT, where he attended school. After graduation he spent time in the Air Force. After that he moved to Red Lodge where he worked with his dad in an auto parts store. He met Ilona Herranen in Red Lodge and they were married. Their daughter, Laura was born in Red Lodge in 1963. Dennis and Ilona were married 53 years.

In 1964, Dennis and Ilona moved to Redwood City, California. Dennis worked at Dalmo Victor, Zero Manufacturing and numerous places where he picked up his skills at welding, machine and electrical work. A son, Frank, was born in 1965. While in California he was a Nascar driver and gained a vast amount of knowledge in auto repair. In 1974 he returned to Hogeland to run the family farm.

He bought the old Hogeland grocery store and started "McGuire's Shop". Soon the shop was too small so he put in a bid on the Hogeland School building, and after winning that bid, he opened his shop in the gymnasium. He started to a build a rod weeder and became known as "American Manufacturing".

The school got too small and he had to build an addition. Dennis was an amazing machinist. He could build almost anything. If he bought something for his shop and didn't like the way it worked he changed and rebuilt it to his own specifications. At time over the years, he had a AAA wrecker service, he was a licensed wrecking yard, a substitute bus driver for Frank's bus route, and hauled wheat for many farmers.

Dennis had many friends. He loved to visit with people about some of their ideas. He was a good listener and loved to visit with everyone. He was always there with a helping hand when needed.

Dennis is survived by his wife Ilona and son Frank (Sherry), sisters Gladys and Carol (Chuck), granddaughter Marlana (Brandon), grandson Cody, and great granddaughter Madison (Maddie) and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father Donald and his mother Helen, and daughter Laura. Graveside services will be held Friday, September 16, 2016 at Silverbow Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Lunch will follow at the American Lutheran Church in Hogeland.

Condolences may be left for the family at edwardsfuneralhomemt.com. Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook is in charge of arrangements.

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