Dennis Gene DeMars
Dennis Gene DeMars , Age 67
Dennis Gene DeMars, age 67, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2020, at St. Marys Hospital in Madison. Dennis was born on September 27, 1953, to Clarence and Avis (Smith) DeMars and was a life-long resident of Baraboo.
As a child, Dennis grew up on the Highway 33 farm with his parents and 10 siblings. When it came time to move into town, Dennis often told the story of hiding in the hay mow because he didnt want to leave the country farm. Dennis cherished the simple things in life; never needing anything fancy or glitzy.
Dennis graduated from Baraboo High School in 1973. He always looked forward to the class reunions and had not missed one in the past 45 years. In 1975 he married Barbara Butler. They were blessed with two children Jennalee and Matthew. They later divorced.
As anyone who knew Dennis could attest to, he had a great fondness for "The Duke" (John Wayne). There wasnt a trivia question he couldnt answer or a movie he hadnt watched. He was able to visit the birthplace museum of John Wayne in Winterset, Iowa, twice. He had his own John Wayne room, decorated with "Duke" memorabilia, where he would go to sit and relax when he needed a little time to himself.
Over his years of employment Dennis wore many different hats. Retail sales of appliances and flooring, bakery/deli, floral delivery, taxi driver, landscaping/lawn mowing, ADRC bus driver and after retirement, school crossing guard. Dennis was a very personable man who loved to help anyone however he could.
His greatest pride and joy were his six grandchildren Karlie, Emilee, Collin and Kourtney Thompson; Logan and Ryan DeMars. They always brought a smile to his face.
Dennis is survived by his mother Avis (DeMars) Roessler; fiance Karen (Dunse) Hutson; children Jennalee (Scott) Thompson and Matthew (Aimee) DeMars; brothers and sisters Darrell (Ellen), David (Beverly), Steve (Donna), Sandra DeMars, Ronald (Lori), Bill (Cindy), Richard (Becky), Lori (Bill) Dickman and Robert (Christine) DeMars; his grandchildren, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Further survived by Karens children, Stuart (Shannon) and Steven (Casaundra) Hutson; grandchildren Tyler and MacKenna. Also, his "Lynn Avenue Family" and his circle of friends at the Towne Lounge.
Dennis was preceded in death by his father Clarence, grandparents, sister Sheila Beloungy, brother-in-law Bill Butler, step-dad Thomas Roessler and his beloved pet dogs Hollie Mae, Misty and Molly.
Public visitation will be on Saturday, December 12, 2020, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Redlin Funeral Home, 401 Madison Ave., Baraboo with Covid restrictions in place.
A private family burial will immediately follow the visitation at Walnut Hill Cemetery.
A special thank you to the staffs at St. Clare Hospital, St. Clare Meadows and St. Marys Hospital for the compassionate care given to Dennis the past three months.
Condolences
Penny White Snyder December 08, 2020
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Deepest Sympathy to the family and friends! Always enjoyed visiting with Dennis when we would see each other. He will be missed by many, many friends. Rest in Peace my friend. Penny Snyder and Robert Johnson
Bev Shook and Family December 08, 2020
Friend of Family Baraboo , Wisconsin
Dear DeMars Family -- So sorry to hear Dennis has passed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your many fond memories keep Dennis close in your thoughts and hearts.
Kelly Leatherberry December 08, 2020
friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
My deepest sympathies to all...I am so sad to hear of Dennis's passing! Always loved running into him at the Towne Lounge and giving him grief...he always made me laugh. He will be missed by so many!!! Love to you!
Fred and Carolyn Marquardt December 08, 2020
High School Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
We are so sorry Karen,💔! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Dennis’s family! He left a footprint in everyone’s heart that knew him! We will miss his friendly smile and his stories and jokes! RIP Dennis!
Mary Tart December 08, 2020
Good friend Elizabethtown , North Carolina
I'm so very sorry. Sending prayers to all the family. Dennis was my forever friend and I will miss him. I pray for God to give you strength and hope knowing you will see him again. Love from my heart Mary Tart and Brittney....
Kevin & Gail Dickfoss December 08, 2020
Friends Howards Grove , Wisconsin
We were saddened to hear of Dennis' passing. Whenever we came to Baraboo and saw Dennis he put a smile on our faces. We were privileged to know him. He helped our daughter, Tracy, through some tough times and we will be grateful for that. He was a kind man with a gentle soul. Kevin & Gail Dickfoss
Dennis Kowalke December 09, 2020
Friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Have seen Dennis in years But remember the fun in the barn at the old house.. when I visited my cousins. My grandma live in farm house next Johnny David's. And my aunt Dorothy the next to that. Gary and us would have a lot of fun. My he rest in peace.
Jean McAdams December 09, 2020
Friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Dennis was a great guy who always saw the good, not the bad. He helped me out whenever I needed help no questions asked. Enjoy the Duke face to face now, or have one together.
Virginia Jackson boyce December 09, 2020
Friends of Family Marina , California
Avis, Bob & Chris, I’m so very sorry for your loss. CJ and I are sending you all the virtual hugs and kisses our souls can extend to you across the miles. My heart hurts for yours. May you be filled with precious and fun memories to carry you through this time of sorrow. Much love, Ginny
Cindy and Scott Harvey December 09, 2020
Great friend of Lori and Sheila. Portage , Wisconsin
I was so saddened to see this. Condolences to the entire family. To loose two sibling in one year is so heart breaking. Thinking of all of you.
Dennis and Penny Quandt December 12, 2020
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
We are so sorry to hear about Dennis our thoughts yard with all of you.He was a nice man.
Don & Kathy Schara December 12, 2020
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
The DeMars Family & Karen, I cannot put into words as to how sad I am knowing I lost my best friend. I knew Dennis since first grade at Webster Prairie school and where friends all through high school until Dennis has parted this earth December 5th. You will never find another loving caring man that made you feel welcome and loved, who made so many smile and laugh and would give you the shirt off his back for you. I could go on and on about Dennis, he was simply a wonderful person, one of so few that God has given us. I'm so proud to have been able to share his life and honored to have known him. I will miss you my friend.
Yvonne (Francois) Kot December 12, 2020
Friend Glen Allen , Virginia
Dear DeMars Family and Karen. It had been awhile since I had seen Dennis but he was always his pleasant, funny self. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I know how difficult it is to lose someone anytime, let alone so close to the holidays. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark Knowles December 13, 2020
Friend Salome , Arizona
So sorry for your loss Dennis was a great guy
Randy Puttkamer December 14, 2020
High school classmate and class president Baraboo , Wisconsin
Yes you did make every class reunion, and YES you will be sincerely missed at the future ones. Will always be remembered as one who always took time for that friendly greeting and handshake. Rest well my friend in God's hands until we have that future reunion.
Tom/ Kathy Jackson December 16, 2020
Friends Reedsburg , Wisconsin
We are so sorry to hear about Dennis‘s death! No one told us, we haven’t been into Quints in ages. I just happen to be looking through the obits for someone else and happened across state Denises. Our hearts Go out to all his surviving family! It’s going to be so hard, especially at this time of year. You have our deepest sympathy and love! He was such a great guy, the kids just loved him as a crossing guard! May he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus! God bless you all.
Sue Cone December 19, 2020
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I am very sorry to hear of Dennis passing away. Prayers for all of the family. He was a great guy.