Rev. Dennis Gene Pettyjohn, 67, of Owatonna, died Saturday, September 19, 2015 at his home. He was born September 29, 1947 in Peoria, Illinois the son of Orvil and Martha (Schroeder) Pettyjohn. Dennis attended high school in Washington, Illinois where he graduated in 1965. He continued his education at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA and graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA in 1973. Dennis met his future wife, Dee Ann Hughes, while completing his internship in Houston, Minnesota. They were married August 20, 1972 in Houston, Minnesota. Dennis was ordained in June of 1973 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Washington, Illinois. He began serving at a two point parish, Mansfield Lutheran Church in Kiester and Lime Creek Lutheran Church in Emmons, Minnesota from 1973 to 1979. From 1979 to 1982 he was pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Earlville, Illinois, and from 1982 to 2005 St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna. He retired in 2005. Dennis cherished his family and loved spending time with them. He enjoyed playing board games and cards with the family and allowing other to occasionally win. He had a passion for music and singing. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and more recently Minnesota Gophers Hockey. Dennis was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He sang in the church choir and was a supporter of local missions. He is survived by his wife, Dee Ann Pettyjohn of Owatonna; his daughters, Charissa Pettyjohn (Jim Kytola) of Boston, MA and Tenley (Jon) McDonald of Shakopee, MN; his grandchildren, Owen Charles McDonald and Lydia Rose McDonald; his sister, Karen Pettyjohn of Washington, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 10:30 am at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Meriden with The Reverend Patti Meyer officiating. Interment will be in the St. Paul's Cemetery, Meriden. Memorials are preferred to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Meriden or donor's choice. Visitation: 09/23/2015 16:00 09/23/2015 20:00 Service: Owatonna and one hour prior to the service at the church 09/24/2015 10:30