In loving memory of

Dennis Marvin Sundbeck
June 28, 1948 - April 15, 2018

On April 15th, 2018, at the age of 69, Dennis Marvin Sundbeck went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dennis was born to Marvin and June Sundbeck on June 28th, 1948, in Austin, TX. He grew up in San Antonio and Austin, and graduated from Reagan High School. As a grandson of Swedish Immigrants, he attended Trinity College in Deerfield IL, where he met a granddaughter of Swedish immigrants, his future wife, Becky Rystrom. Dennis received his bachelors of science in Zoology from University of Texas at Austin and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A University. He practiced veterinary medicine in Houston and Austin from 1973 to 1978. By his retirement in 2014, he had been operating his own practice for over 35 years in Round Rock, Texas. Dennis was well known and appreciated as a caregiver to pets, and a friend to their owners.

In addition to his career, Dennis was committed to serving the missions and organizations that aligned with his faith. He worked for 20 years with Christian Veterinary Mission, holding positions on the board and traveling to Haiti. He served on the board of the Agape Pregnancy Center and as an elder at Grace Covenant Church. He was involved in bible study fellowship and taught adult Sunday school at First Evangelical Free Church (now Austin Oaks). In retirement, he devoted himself to the ministry of Kairos, sharing the love of God with incarcerated men. Through this involvement, God developed within Dennis a passion and sincere empathy for those who did not have the advantages in life he was blessed with.

Above all, Dennis committed himself to caring for his family. The times spent with his wife, children and grandchildren brought him his greatest joy.

He is preceded in death by his mother, June Johnson Sundbeck. Left to remember him are his wife, Rebecca, and his daughters Lisa Sundbeck, Lindsey Sundbeck Pershern (husband Scott), Carrie Zinnecker (husband Ben) and Sarah Sundbeck Cockrell (husband Lane). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Maren and Kasper Kim, Beckett and Lane Pershern, and Carson, Betsy and Christopher Zinnecker. In addition, he leaves his father Marvin Sundbeck (wife Patti) and sister Joan Polson (husband Wil), along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of life-long friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorials to:

Christian Veterinary Mission:
https://cvmusa.org/support/

Kairos Prison Ministry
http://www.kairosprisonministry.org/


Tributes

Rick Edge wrote on Jun 17, 2019:

"Lit a candle in memory of Dennis Marvin Sundbeck"

Diane Harris wrote on Jun 17, 2019:

"Lit a candle in memory of Dennis Marvin Sundbeck"

Kathryn Van Winkle, DVM wrote on Jun 17, 2019:

"Lit a candle in memory of Dennis Marvin Sundbeck"

Rick Edge wrote on Apr 29, 2018:

"Dennis and i shared some special prayer times during Kairos weekends. He is dearly missed but always spoken or thought about. Rick and Terry."

Mike and Jane Moore wrote on Apr 25, 2018:

"Dennis cared for our pets--Candy (and the pups she produced), Maggie, Poco--for over 35 years and to tell the truth, he cared for us too. He was not only our vet and policyholder, he was our friend. We saw him only occasionally after he helped our Poco on her way, but even so he leaves a hole in our hearts. We, and all the animals he so gently and expertly cared for over the years, were blessed to know him. Mike and Jane Moore"

Melissa Darbonne wrote on Apr 24, 2018:

"I have no words for how I am really feeling about Dennis's passing. What a wonderful man we are all going to miss. My son wanted a dog, and of course I wanted the best vet in town for our new family pet. Dennis was that vet. He and Rocket Man had a special relationship until the day Dennis had to put him down. I will never forget that day and the way Dennis assured us that we were doing the right thing. But not only was he a wonderful vet but as years went by I learned a little more about him, his personality, what he did on the weekends for fun....etc, but even more, after his retirement I learned about this wonderful man and what he did for people that were not as fortunate and wanted to help them find God and trust in the Lord. What a special gift he had to be able to do the Mission work that he did. So many blessings that this man had on this earth that I continued to be in awe of. To the family of Dennis I send my deepest condolences and prayers. Hang on to those wonderful memories of him, he will be watching over you. Melissa and Scot D'Arbonne"

Cathy Smith wrote on Apr 23, 2018:

"Joan: So very sorry to learn of your brother's recent passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your extended family. (Cathy Smith, a former Houston teacher colleague - San Antonio, Texas)"

JACK & PATRICIA RAYBURN wrote on Apr 22, 2018:

"The Services at Austin Oaks Church for Dennis on Saturday April 21st were just beautiful. It so honored a man that we all loved. I have known Dennis since we moved to Round Rock in 1981 (37 years). He became our Vet. Over those years he kindly cared for 5 of our dog and cats through their life and death. He was always there for us with his compassion, gentle demeanor and expert guidance. We also saw him and is wife Becky many times socially at Charlie and Zee's annual Mardi Gras parties. The last time we saw him he was looking great and so enjoying his retirement with his family and grand children. Dennis' e-mails over the last 8 moths were truly inspiring and helped us to know him better and his love for Jesus. We learned so much. We will miss him terribly. Once during an initial visit with him with our current and last puppy some 14 years ago I asked him, Dennis, can you give Penny a shot so she doesnt poop and pee everywhere? Dennis smiled and said, Jack, if I could, I would be a millionaire! May God Bless you Becky and your family during this difficult time, Jack & Pat Rayburn."

David Hocher wrote on Apr 21, 2018:

"Words cannot express how much I appreciate Dennis and the impact he had upon me, my family, and my career. Dennis hired me as an associate veterinarian fresh out of TAMU vet school in 1992, even though I barely looked old enough to be a doctor (some clients compared me to Doogie Howser, MD). I knew from early on that God had a hand in our partnership. When I was a senior vet student and several months before I interviewed for my future job, I had unknowingly met Dennis at a vet convention where he was manning a booth for Christian Veterinary Mission. Later, when I found out there may be an associate position available at Round Rock Animal Hospital, I recognized the owner as the man I had met at the convention. Thankfully, God saw fit to have Dennis hire me. He was a great mentor in the art of veterinary medicine. By art, I refer to the many things that veterinary school can not teach a vet to prepare for the real world. For example, how to communicate clearly to the pet owner your thoughts and their options. It is not what you say, but what they hear is one of the many phrases he told me that still run through my head today. Why run a test if it doesnt change what you will or can do is another. I wonder how much time in my life I have spent holding a thermometer in a dogs butt? (sorry, but his sense of humor was another reason it was fun to work with him). Dennis had many endearing mannerisms that still come to mind and make me smile, like the way I could always tell when he was talking on the phone to either his dad or one of our clients named Robert Reeves.he would get this sort of country good ole boy drawl to his voice that he would not normally have. Of course, he would deny it if asked about that. Dennis love for God was evident in the way he interacted with the clients and our staff. He showed me through his actions how it was okay to pray with clients before they had to make the hard decision to let their beloved pet go. He showed me it was okay to be bold in your faith by sharing the gospel with the staff every year at our annual Christmas party and trying to help them see the real reason we celebrate Christmas. He felt that God placed every employee in our practice for a reason and it was an opportunity to show them the hands and feet of Christ. For a good period of time, we would meet weekly at his house to pray for the practice, the staff, and our clients. After 22 years in the practice together, I pray that I can continue the legacy that Dennis began at Round Rock Animal Hospital and we can continue to serve the community with compassion, integrity, and love. I will miss Dennis but I look forward to catching up with him some day in heaven. David Hocher"

Lynn Smith and Steve Mudge wrote on Apr 20, 2018:

"We were so blessed by the life of Dennis Sundbeck. He showed such compassion and love to our dog Brutus through the 12 years that he cared for him. He gave us his cell phone number when Brutus was experiencing some health issues and we had to leave him for several days with my mother-in-law. He told us to have our mother-in-law call him any time if we had any questions. He calmed our nerves after Brutus jumped up on the dining room table and ate 1/3 of my stepson's birthday cake while we were at a baseball game. He was so kind to us and so caring to Brutus. We will miss him very much."

Tara Fusilier wrote on Apr 19, 2018:

"Im sitting here at my sons baseball game wiping away my tears. He was amazing. Spoke with me over the phone one late evening about my dogs eye (Dudli) when we werent even clients yet. Let me be there for the surgery to remove his eye several months later, even told me I could spend the night at the clinic as I was nervous about leaving him overnight. Got me through my cats (Alexander) untimely death from cancer just a few months after my mom died from cancer, and let me be at that surgery too. Would always stop and talk with me when we crossed paths in the community no matter how tired he must have been from dealing with clients. Lastly, the initial person responsible for me being one of the luckiest dog moms by getting my sweet Choco. :blue_heart: you Dr. Sundbeck."

becky ellis wrote on Apr 19, 2018:

"Dennis was so wonderful with our family pets and demonstrated genuine compassion when they were ill and even more so when it came time to say goodbye to our furry family members. But outside of his practice I also saw great compassion for people and such a great love for Becky and the girls. His faith and love for the Lord was evident in is his liife. Praying and lifting up Becky and family.... Mike and Becky Ellis"

Doug Chesser wrote on Apr 19, 2018:

"Dennis was our Vet since we moved to Round Rock in 1990. He has doctored several dogs of ours. He even used his bird dog to do a blood transfusion on our schnauzer. When I picked her up, he said "don't be surprised if she starts pointing on birds in the back yard". Dennis was always kind and gentle with animals and showed love for each one. He will be missed! Doug Chesser"

David W Baker wrote on Apr 19, 2018:

"Dr. Sundbeck was my vet and friend to both me and my Boxer, Harley, for 10 years. Dennis was always thorough and conservative in his suggestive treatments. Harley lived for almost 16 years because of his care and attention to detail.Dennis always asked about my daughter, who at that time was a student at Texas A We had many times of personal reflection and laughed often together. Dennis will be missed by all who knew him and I hope he gets to see all the folks he helped along with all the animals he treated. Round Rock Animal Hospital is my clinic of choice because of the tremendous respect and appreciation I had for Dr Sundbeck and now is being carried on by the amazing staff at RRAH. God Bless you Dennis and I hope our paths cross again in Heaven! My deepest condolences to family and friends of Dennis! David W Baker"

Steve Mundy wrote on Apr 19, 2018:

"Dennis was my vet since I moved to Texas in the early 80's. He cared for our 6 dogs, 4 of our cats and more of my wife's foster kittens than I care to count. When my oldest dog had a stroke early on a Sunday morning, Dennis didn't refer me to the emergency vet, he took the time to come in before church, say a prayer and end her suffering. This was a kindness that I will never forget. Godspeed Dennis."

Cindy Mount wrote on Apr 19, 2018:

"Dennis was our vet for years. Wr had a son who wanted to be a vet. Dennis embraced him and told him he could come to his practice and work next to him. He was so excited. Unfortunately, we lost that don not much later. We had a family dog that our fin was just crazy about. When we had to put her down don years later, Dennis sent a contribution to one of his favorite charities in Brads name. He was a most wonderful man."

milo hamilton wrote on Apr 19, 2018:

"Dennis would often drive us two to Bartlett state prison not because either of us did something bad but because we wanted to give hope to the incarcerated. I loved our sharing on the trip. Dennis was a vet and I am an economist by profession but we did not talk our work but rather the work Jesus had given us to do inside the walls. I miss my friend Dennis quite a lot. He talked with love about Becky and his family. My motto of life is to be that person you needed when you were young. I bet he was one of these persons. I will never forget Dennis. I hope I can end my days as he did ministering through his emails his faith in the Lord. I will see Dennis again and we will continue our love on the other side for all eternity. Blessings in this time of sorrow to all of you especially his family whom I never met Milo Hamilton"

Dick Berkley wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"Dennis and his associates have been my only Vets since he opened the clinic 40 years ago. I will always remember his kindness and generosity and will miss him very much. God hold him and his family and lift them all up. Thank you, Dennis. It was a gift knowing you. Dick Berkley"

Jenny Alloway wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"I first met Dennis when he opened his office in Round Rock over 30 years ago. As an animal lover, I immediately knew I had found my veterinarian. His skill and compassion was evident from that first visit. I was blessed to call him friend, and my first impression was only validated over the years. He was a gifted veterinarian, but even more important, he was a dedicated christian who lived his life for his family and in service to others. In my "semi retirement" years, I worked as receptionist in the clinic, and got to assist in some exciting procedures. I'l never forget standing around the surgery table, with a sterile towel in my cupped hands, as Dennis preformed a Cesarean delivery. Catching those tiny spaniel puppies, rubbing them briskly in the towel, and seeing them take their first breath was something I'll never forget. Or the morning everyone in the clinic held their breath while Dennis preformed delicate surgery on a very fragile little dog. The elderly owner insisted on waiting in reception for the outcome. We all knew the lady would not withstand the grief of returning to her empty house without her "best friend". When Dennis finally came out, wearing his distinctive grin, and gave that woman a hug, we all needed Kleenex. Dennis was a prankster. His favorite trick was dipping his index finger in a vial of urine, then tapping his tongue to taste for "acidity". Of course he dipped one finger, then tasted another. Every newcomer got to witness this" vet practice". None of us will forget Dennis. He was one of the Special Ones. Our prayers and sympathy are with Becky, his girls and his family. Jenny and Alan Alloway"

Larry Grosenheider wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"25 years ago I sat with Dennis at the Lake Creek pool in Round Rock to watch our daughters swim. Over the years we had many animals ( Cinnamon,Padre,Misty,Beauregard,Toots,Coconut,Pickles,Willie).Dennis was there to keep them healthy and he was there with compassion and comfort when we had to make that decision. Dennis was more than our veterinarian,he was our friend. Dennis and I shared a passion for motorcycling that was the subject of many conversations. There will be a void in our lives that cannot be replaced. May he Rest In Peace with God. Deepest. Sympathy to Becky and his extended family. Larry and Elena Grosenheider"

Karen Thompson wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"Well we have known Dennis for over 30 years since we moved to this area and I just now learned that his middle name is the same as my dads name! We met Dennis in 1983 and he has been our beloved vet since that first visit. He has taken care of us and all our pets for over three decades. He always greeted us with a smile, a handshake and made us and our pets feel we were in the best of care! I still have Round Rock Animal Hospital saved in my phone as Sundbeck. He will be dearly missed by all those that were blessed by him in his earthly life. I guess all our fur angels :feet:needed him in heaven and certainly God said well done thy good and faithful servant when the angels took him to his mansion that he had prepared for him. He was so proud of his family and coworkers, never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Dennis we love you and miss you and are very thankful we shared this lifes journey with you and that you have a new body in Christ :latin_cross::heart_decoration: Our deepest sympathy to his family as we cant imagine your loss:heart:"

Aurora Richards-Stipnieks wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"I'm so sorry for your loss: Becky and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have very fond memories of Dr. Sundbeck. He let me work for him as I gained my vet school experience in the middle of my career change as an adult. He and his family were fabulous to my oldest kid, Karen, when we'd go to his house for the annual clinic party. I went onto veterinary school and have now been practicing for 13 years (time does fly)... I remember my time at Round Rock and learned from him what veterinary school couldn't teach --- the art of communicating with your client and helping the owners as well as their furry friend. Most of all, I remember fondly our political arguments. We had very different party views and it was fun to hash out various views on policies etc. I remember quite vividly him telling me that as I grew older, I'd change my mind and switch parties like he did... Well... hasn't happened yet and not sure if it will but certainly will miss dearly debating things with him. These days, there doesn't seem to be much room for debate or an open-mindedness to be friends and admire those with different views. People like Dr. Sundbeck are sorely missed in this day and age and the loss of him will be felt by many."

Whitney Watson Wood wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"When we moved to Round Rock from Austin, I learned a cousin of my mother's was a vet there, and we were happy to be able to take our pups to him over the years. Dennis was always very kind and took wonderful care of furbabies. I remember taking our boy Jake to him and Dennis gave him back his happiness... we were so thankful to be able to take him home after he recovered with the care from Dennis and his team. Prayers of peace to his family."

Susan Gunn wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"When we moved to Round Rock in 1984 we found Dennis, and he saw us through many joys and sorrows over the 30 years he cared for our beloved pets. I will never forget the day he helped us decide that it was time for our little Buckie's suffering to end. He asked us to form a circle with Buckie in the center. He led us in prayer as we gave thanks for Buckie's life and for the privilege of loving and be loved by him. Now that Dennis has made that journey himself, I can only imaging the crowd of happy pets that must have greeted him. May Dennis rest in God's presence and rise in glory. Susan & Charlie Gunn"

Jessie Dawson wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"While I did not know Dennis personally, I do know his daughter Sarah and have the honor to work with her every day. Sarah is an exceptional person so I know she gets that from her parents. If Dennis was everything that Sarah is, then he was truly an exceptional person who will be missed. My condolences to the family and may Dennis rest in peace."

NANCY HERNANDEZ wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"Dennis Sundbeck was our vet for over 30 years! When I found out he was going to retire a couple of years ago, I was truly sad, but understood also. He sure did have a way with animals and he was the nicest person to always talk to when we had our vet visits. I did not know him outside of the vet visits, but it sounds like his passion for helping animals and people was his gift in life. You will be missed! Nancy Hernandez"

Sandra Larson Gonzales wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"Dennis was my Vet since 1980. My children went to school with his, and also swam with the mighty Round Rock Dolphins. I was so saddened with his diagnosis since he had recently retired, but he lived a life worth living right up to the end. Not many people can say that, not many can be that. He was. I am so sorry for your families loss."

Dr. Kit Flowers wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"Dennis has been an incredible friend, partner, and leader in the work of the Lord through Christian Veterinary Mission. His passion for Christ and His work in our world was evident in his service, leadership, and ministry. We were blessed by His wisdom and joy of living his faith in his family, work, community, and world! Our hearts are full of joy as we remember that service. We thank the Lord for the gift he was to us all and pray especially for Becky and the family as they journey on. He will be missed!"

Sandra Larson Gonzales wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"Great picture"

BoB & Sandra Nichols wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"I thank my God upon each remembrance of you. BoB & Sandra Nichols"

Melissa Wheeler wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"I met Dennis Sundbeck and his family the first year our kids started swimming for the Round Rock Dolphins in 1996. The day I met him I knew our furry animals needed him as a vet. He was always so good to them and to the owners. Always so loving and personable. He will be greatly missed."

Candy Kyle wrote on Apr 18, 2018:

"We only met Dennis a few years ago while serving in the Kairos Prison Ministry at Bartlett State Jail. The last time we saw him was New Years Eve going in to the Ferguson Unit for a Kairos closing ceremony. Walking in we heard a familiar voice hollering out and turned around to see our brother Dennis. He was supposed to serve on this team for this walk but was unable to due to the treatments. But he was there to encourage the men on their new journey. He told them that "God IS Good, ALL the time!" Even when you have cancer. He went on to say that he didn't know if he would be healed on earth but knew God WOULD heal him. That is what has now been done. We are sad he is gone from us but find great joy in knowing he IS healed and has now made it Home. Until we see you again we love you! Keith and Candy Kyle"

Reb Bacchus wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"I havent known Dennis long by the calander, but we are spiritual brothers just the same. He had my highest respect and I look forward to seeing him again. I pray that in this time of sorrow at our loss we can celebrate his homecoming"

Ben Mathis wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Dennis is a special man that I love, and always will...he and his sweet Christian wife Becky opened their home whenever there was a "KAIROS" weekend walk to many volunteers that were working the "Vineyard of the Lord"...we would carpool to the Bartlett Jail and share stories and fellowship that was so wonderful on our road trips both to and from the prison...He could always give the right kinda advice, love and would pray with anyone and everyone...You knew Jesus was present whenever Dennis was around...Thank you Jesus for sending us this special servant of Yours... Love ybiC, Ben Mathis"

Karen Hood wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Dr. Sundbeck became our vet shortly after we moved to Round Rock in 1978. Our pets loved him and we loved him as well because he had such a caring and loving spirit. We will all miss him because he made such a Christian impression on each of our lives. Help us all to grieve well while celebrating a Christian life well lived and now his joyous new home in heaven. Karen Hood"

Paul Lambach wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"TRIBUTE TO DENNIS SUNDBECK by PAUL LAMBACH, UNIT CHAPLAIN, BARTLETT STATE JAIL, MARCH/2016 TO JUNE/2017. While serving as Unit Chaplain at Bartlett State Jail from March 2016 to June 2017, I had the marvelous privilege to serve the Lord with Dennis Sundbeck. I bless the Lord and honor the memory of this precious and humble servant by highlighting Dennis activities at Bartlett. On one of the last monthly lists of approved workers, Dennis was listed in FOUR roles. #1) Dennis taught Covenant Marriage and Parenting on Wednesdays from 2:30-5:00PM. Until the final semester, this class was actually held Wed afternoon and evening and ALWAYS had a waiting list! #2) Dennis also went on Wednesdays after his afternoon class to visit every offender in Administrative Segregation, up to 23, one-on-one, and always with a satchel full of literature and Bibles to distribute. #3) Dennis participated faithfully in the three Kairos weekend retreats (Thu-Sun) held under my watch along with participating faithfully in the weekly Friday evening Kairos Meetings. #4) Dennis taught in the Faith-Based Dorm on Thursdays from 2-7PM. What an investment! In addition, Dennis also became a Certified Volunteer Chaplains Assistant. This weekend training conference enabled him to minister directly as one of my assistants which he did so well as illustrated during his one-on-one visits to offenders in Administrative Segregation EVERY WEEK! I also remember once seeing HOW MANY other correctional TDCJ facilities Dennis ministered in! I would like to conclude with an email from Dennis to me dated April 10, 2017 regarding his SEG visits and his Marriage and Parenting Schedule, Chap, Seg reports 3/1/................. 10 men ..... 1:15-2:15 3/8 ................. 9 ....... " " 3/22................ 9 ....... 4:40 - 5:20 3/29.............. 8 ......... 4:45 - 5:35 4/5 ............... 9 ....... 4:40 - 5:30 Marriage & Parenting Schedule I have two more classes in this session so will be doing my last class on April 19th. I think the passes go to April 26th as I schedule 13 weeks to get in 10 classes. We only missed two classes this time so are finishing a week early. I was thinking the next set of classes would run from 5/3 until 7/26. This again is 13 weeks to allow for lockdowns and my schedule. Let me know if this is OK. Dennis"

Lynn Kessel wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"I have been truly blessed to know Dennis and his family for over 20 years. Dennis has had an immense impact on my personal, professional, and spiritual life. So many incredible memories.involving humane society board meetings, potbellied pigs, water balloon games, the animal hospital, competitive croquet, home Bible studies, laughter, birthday bashes, BSF, homemade Sundbeck videos, lots more laughter. Dennis and his beautiful family have opened their hearts to me on countless occasions, literally making me feel the presence of God through their kindness and love. And his focus on our Lord and Savior never failed, carrying he, and all of us, through to the end. Thank you Lord for this brother in Christ. Thank you for how he has brought me closer to You, a very rich gift indeed. My love goes out to you Becky, and to the girls. May Jesus hold you especially close right now. Lynn Kessel"

Olivia Taylor wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"People come into our lives to be a friend and help us when we need help. Being hired to work for Dennis was the Lord's way of sending me to the person that would help me a few years later. Our paths crossed at a time in my life when his prayers and generosity helped me through a difficult time. I will always be grateful to Dennis, the Lord's "Good and Faithful Servant". My love to Becky and the girls. Olivia Taylor"

Benjamin Boutin wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"I had the joy and priveledge to know Dennis over the last 3-4 years ministering to men behind prison walls. Dennis was a man after God's own heart and im so thankful for his life. We exchanged emails just about a month ago and we were rejoicing in this verse in 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christs triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. He truly was the aroma of Jesus and walked in Jesus' triumphal procession to the end. I didn't have the opportunity to meet His family but my condolences to all that surrounded him... may his legacy continue to point others to the Savior and me and my family are praying for the peace of God over your family! And rejoicing that Dennis is seated with Christ in heaven gazing upon the beauty of His King. I truly have been affected and impacted by Dennis and thank God for his example and labor of love. May there be fruit 100 fold! Well done good and faithful servant you have entered into the Lord's rest! We will see you soon brother! I will never forget our time together ministering to the men in segregation. What a joy to see these men encounter Jesus! Love you Dennis"

Nancy Houston wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"To know Dennis Sundbeck was to know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dennis pointed the way to The Author of Life, Perfect Righteousness, Love, Truth and Joy. In the midst of his darkest times as he experienced physical pain and the anguish of knowing that he was leaving his beloved wife and family, he would send emails of how much he loved Jesus Christ and was willing to walk through what God had prepared for him. I praise Almighty God for the life of this man; I thank Dennis for showing us how to live and love well and showing us how to die in Christ. I thank his parents for their examples of godly living and leading him to a church that is true to The Bible at an early age. Although I am deeply saddened to know that he is no longer here with us on earth, I rejoice that he is face-to-face with our Lord and Savior."

Tom and Terri wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"35 years ago we needed a vet and we found Dennis. He took care of all the pups that we had. They loved Dennis. Then, we had kids who grew up and swam with his younger girls. Such memories with the pups and at the pool. Dennis, you will be missed! You made this world a bit more like the Kingdom with your love and joy. You have a gem of a wife! May Our Lord, Jesus, wrap his arms around her at this time."

Leah (Vance) Lee, DVM wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"I had the pleasure of having my first exposure to veterinary practice in summer of 1997. I worked there until about 2001. I owe my start as a veterinarian to him. He wrote one of my application references for vet school. Some of my favorite memories include syringe darts, his dog Bob, the opossum that he trapped in his dog food barrel, and how he listened to music (kelly willis and cajun music) during surgery. I am sad to see of his passing, but I know he is enjoying heaven right now. My prayers go out to his family."

Arnie and Melanie Carbary wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"You will be missed so very much, by so many! Your loving spirit was so vibrant in all that you did! Thank you for your loving care of all of our babies over 25+ yrs and your sweet and gentle care! We are so very sad to see you leave us, but rejoice in your new life with our Lord! :heart::heart:"

JoBeth Alexander wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Dr.Sundbeck was our vet for over 25 years, and he was a very dear friend as well.:gift_heart: He was there for our family through the grief & loss of multiple dogs, & he always softened the blow with his gentle words. He will be greatly missed. We offer love & support to his family during this extremely difficult time.:pray::skin-tone-4:"

Derrah Jackson wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Dennis was a wise and thoughtful man who loved Jesus and the people in his church. He always had a kind word for folks and deeply cared about people who were hurting. He was willing to go out of his way to help people. It was my great privilege to be his friend and co-laborer for Christ. Derrah Jackson"

Nancy Houston wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"To know Dennis Sundbeck was to know His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dennis pointed the way to Heaven and the Author of Righteousness, Love, Truth and Joy. In the midst of his darkest times, as he walked through the physical pain and anguish of knowing he was leaving his beloved wife and family, he would send emails of how much he loved Jesus Christ and was willing to walk through what God had prepared for him. I praise Almighty God for the life of this man; I thank his parents for their examples of godly living and leading him to a church that is true to The Bible. Although I am deeply saddened to know that he is no longer here on earth, I rejoice knowing that he is face-to-face with his Lord and Savior. Nancy Houston"

Michael Mike Gieringer wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"There are no words"

michael gieringer wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Dennis MARVIN, I will miss you for the rest of my life. You were my Blessing and my example if a very good man, husband, father, friend! Thank you for the many visits at various Mexican food establishments! I have no other words for the girls other than they were truly blessed with such a Daddy! And to your father- I am so sorry Mr. Sundbeck! And to BECKY- hang in there!"

Gail Yarbrough wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Dr. Sundbeck was my Vet for many years and always gave such gentle care for our many cats through the years. I know a great many people will miss him."

Amanda Caldwell wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"He was an amazing man. He is the best doctor that I have ever worked for. He was so caring to his patients as well as the clients. He would always make me smile and laugh every time I was there. Thank you for all the great memories. You will be missed greatly"

Jot Turner wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"I only had the privilege of knowing Dennis (and Becky) for the past five years when I'd come to town on EFCA business. Dennis was always a gracious host. My wife and I fondly recall the dinner meeting when we arrived one hour late at a restaurant due to a flawed Apple mapping system on our phone. Dennis's graciousness and dry sense of humor met us saying, "I'd sure love to have heard the conversation in your car the past hour." It put us instantly at ease and led to many laughs over the next hour. I deeply appreciate his evangelistic passion in encouraging me to get involved in Kairos upon my retirement. He so loved this ministry and invested his whole self in serving inmates with Christ's love. What a wonderful model for retirement. Finally, his emails during his final year so wonderfully communicated his deep love and trust in the Lord - always keeping his eyes forward to his heavenly home whenever that would be but still treasuring the days remaining here on earth. Jot & Marietta Turner (Eden Prairie, MN)"

Scott Wagner wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"I could write a book with all of the wonderful memories of Dennis, mostly motorcycle trips from the last 15 years but also with the involvement of the Kairos prison ministry, Agape pregnancy center, and other spiritual & personal endeavors over the years. It was a true pleasure to get to know him, Becky, and stories of the family around campfires on our trips. He's a saint in my book and I will sorely miss him and all the laughter and enjoyment he brought into my life."

Janice and Mike Parker wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Among the many memories, the one that probably stands out the most is going to Pres. Bush's 2nd Inauguration. We walked around Old Town Alexandria in 6" of snow, and had lunch at my sister's house before heading to the Black Tie and Boots Ball. It was freezing cold and we wore snow boots and long-johns under our gowns. As always, when we were with Dennis and Becky, there were lots of laughs and positive conversation. Jesus must have thought that Dennis had completed his mission here on earth and decided to bring him home. He will be missed by us and everyone who ever knew him."

Mary Arechiga wrote on Apr 17, 2018:

"Such a wonderful vet to our poodles Brigette and Pierre. We always trusted him with our babies. Prayers for the family. :pray:"