Dennis Ressler

Dennis Ressler, 69, of Mandan, passed away on July 18, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Church of St. Joseph in Mandan. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, July 23 at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary & Parish Vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Dennis was born on March 28, 1957, in Mandan, the son of Jack and Josie (Martin) Ressler. He graduated from Mandan High School in 1976. On June 16, 1978, he married Linda Kalvoda in Mandan where they made their home and raised their family. The trucking industry wasn't just Dennis' career, it was his life. He started young with his father and brothers, hauling cattle on short trips with his Dad at Jack Ressler & Sons Trucking before purchasing his own truck and hauling materials for the construction of the McClusky Canal and rail system. He later drove over the road for his brother at Jim Ressler Trucking before transitioning into diesel mechanics, a career he enjoyed for 24 years. Dennis eventually moved into the office as the Safety Coordinator, where he served 19 years, and became a respected mentor and resource to many. In the late 1990’s, Dennis and Linda started Big D’s Repair, where they worked side by side making and repairing truck tarps for several years. He also loved his side gig as an early morning stocker at Target for the past 20 years and he loved his Target family. Dennis enjoyed helping his son, Justin, with projects at Outlaw Tarp Detail and Accessories. Whether it was a small repair or a large project, Dennis loved spending time working alongside his son. Dennis never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, making friends wherever he went, and built lasting relationships with countless people throughout the years.

Known to most as “Big D,” Dennis had a smile that could light up a room and a story for every occasion. His tales of past adventures and shenanigans always left everyone laughing. With his easygoing personality and positive outlook, he found the good in every situation and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He truly was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.

His family meant everything to him. Whether gathering for family dinner, cheering from the bleachers at his grandchildren's sporting events, or planning the next family vacation, those were the moments he treasured most. He was the family's self-proclaimed "World Traveler," despite never leaving the United States, and was always researching the next destination.

Racing was Dennis' greatest passion. It began in childhood while watching his father's sprint car compete at area tracks and continued throughout his life. Whether it was sprint cars, NHRA, or NASCAR, chances were Dennis was watching and you could almost guarantee he had some sort of bet riding on that race. He loved going to different racetracks and took many trips with family throughout the years. The Knoxville Nationals each August were among his favorite traditions, and one of his greatest joys was taking his grandson, Kaden, there for the first time last year. He also fondly remembered trips to Charlotte, North Carolina, with Justin in 2020 and again in 2022 to tour race shops, often saying he'd love to go back again.

Dennis also loved going to concerts, the casinos, and road trips. He never needed much convincing to hit the road, whether the destination was near or far. He had a plan for every trip, complete with restaurants to try, nearby attractions to explore, and places to visit, because sitting still simply wasn't his style.

Dennis will be truly missed by his loving wife of 48 years, Linda Ressler, Mandan; his children, Jennifer (Jason) Ritz, Mandan, Justin Ressler (special friend, Tiffany Kuntz), Mandan, and Amanda (Jared) Martin, Bismarck; two grandchildren, Kennedi and Kaden Ritz; step-grandson, Theo Helm; brother, Jim (Leona) Ressler, Bismarck; sister, Yvonne (Jerry) Peterson, Mandan; sisters-in-law, Becky Ressler, Mandan, Barbara Pyle, Tierra Verde, FL, Diane (Bert) Muller, Williston, Ann Marie Kalvoda, Mandan, and Kathy Kalvoda, Bismarck; brothers-in-law, Tony (Cheryl) Kalvoda, Mandan, Bill (Linda) Kalvoda, New Salem, Bob (Robin) Kalvoda, San Angelo, TX, Jim (Kathy) Kalvoda, Mandan, and Tom (Tammy) Kalvoda, Mandan; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Josie Ressler, his grandparents, Anton and Anna (Wetsch) Ressler and John and Martina (Schafer) Martin, his parents-in-law, Anton and Anna Kalvoda; his brother, Allen Ressler; his nephew, Ryan Peterson; his brothers-in-law, Terry Kalvoda and Jack Pyle; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.