Dennis Wayne Krystosek passed away at home in Fortuna, surrounded by his loved ones, on January 30, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer.

Dennis was born on June 4, 1954 to Anthony and Dorothy Krystosek in Scotia. He was a happy-go-lucky kid with an adventurous spirit who loved the outdoors.

Growing up, Denny would ride in his father’s logging truck alongside his brother Mike and stepbrother Paul. Since there was only room for two people to sit, the three of them would rotate standing in the space behind the seats.

On his first day of school, after his Mom dropped him off, he quickly realized it wasn’t for him. He managed to make it back home before she did, but she promptly returned him to school.

Dennis was an easy-going man who loved a good joke. His smile and laugh were contagious.

He wasn’t in a huge hurry to grow up. He spent some years doing odd jobs to afford to go to concerts with his buddies. He loved to go fishing and having a good time was his top priority.

Everything changed when he met the love of his life, Beverly. He knew that she was way out of his league. He figured he had better settle down and get a real job. He went to work for Steve Wills as a truck driver.

He was always the first one to work, and never missed a day. His strong work ethic, coupled with his good-natured attitude and his driving ability, made him a favorite to most who worked with him.

He worked there for 20 years until he bought his first logging truck, which meant most weekends were spent maintaining and washing it. He bought another used truck, then in 2022, he bought a brand new truck. He spent less time working on it and more time enjoying it. He hauled his last load on Jan. 2, 2024.

Dennis and Bev had a special love. Even after 35 years together, they would both get so excited if they happened to pass each other on the freeway when he was working. They would giggle like teenagers.

Dennis not only found true, lasting love when he met Bev, but he also got what he referred to as his “Ready-Made Family” in Bev’s daughters and grandchildren.

Dennis came to be the rock in the family. Always there with a smile, a hug, and some encouraging words, offering unwavering support without judgement whenever anyone needed help.

Dennis & Bev valued family above all else. They made it a point to have monthly family dinners, where Dennis would cook the main course, alternating between BBQ, meatball stew, and spaghetti. These dinners were lively, boisterous and filled with laughter - a major factor in keeping the family close. As the family grew, with 25-30 people in attendance, these dinners remained a cherished tradition.

Dennis was survived by his loving wife, Beverly Krystosek; daughters, Krissy Morgan & Renee Morgan (Dave Griffith); grandchildren Tyler Barisdale (Ivi), Kolbi Brandt (Travis), Darien Griffith (Nik Erickson), Zoe Stouffer & David Griffith; great-grandchildren Chandler, Kayson, Taytum, Harper, Greyson, Kaiden and Poet; sister-in-law Lynda Hendrick; brother, Mike Krystosek (Bev) and nieces Brooke and Jolynn; step-brothers Paul August & Kenny Rowe; nephew Lee Pelasini and many other family and friends.

Preceded in death by father Tony Krystosek; mother and stepfather Dorothy and Jim Rowe; and granddaughter, Savannah Barisdale.

Dennis will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He requested that no services be held and the family will respect his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, please love your family well, tell a good joke, laugh easily and often, or help someone in need.

To his many trucker friends: To pay tribute to Denny, next time you’re on the road, give a little tug on the airhorn in honor of your dear trucker friend.

Rest in peace, Dennis. You will always be remembered.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dennis Krystosek’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.