George J. Dennis, 70, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 17, 2019, with his wife Sandy and son Daniel at his side.

George was born September 16, 1948, in Madison, to Floyd and Isabelle (Hamm) Dennis. He graduated from Central-University High School in 1966. Born a city kid, George spoke of spending his childhood in the secret places of the Wisconsin State Capitol, and loved the Vilas Zoo, UW Arboretum and the Madison lakes. He married Patricia Staley in 1967 and together they had two sons, Joseph and Michael. He later met Sandra Sobkowiak; they married in 1990 and had one son, Daniel.

George had a varied work life – he managed Barker Shoe stores in his 20s, and was in the auto upholstery trade for over 25 years. He was most proud of his work on the Oscar Mayer Weinermobiles. He also worked as a courier and in pest control. George was also very active in the Jaycees and served as a regional director in the Madison area in the 80s. George retired in 2014.

Together, George and Sandy raised and showed Dalmatian dogs – he loved the spots and the way the dogs smiled. He and Sandy moved to Holmen in 2016 where George was a loving companion and helped care for his father-in-law, Charles Sobkowiak. George’s one request when moving to the Coulee Region was to live in the country so he could to hunt from his back door. George loved all things in nature, especially the birds, squirrels and deer that frequented the feeders around his home, and wild plants and flowers that grew in the woods. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and rock music, particularly Guns N’ Roses played loudly.

George is survived by his wife, Sandra Dennis; sons Joseph (Dana) Dennis of McFarland, WI, Michael (Shyra Rendon) Dennis of Beaver Dam, WI, and Daniel (Valerie) Dennis of Oshkosh, WI; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren; siblings Robert (Colleen) Dennis, Karen Vincent, Gary (MaryAnn) Dennis, Allen (Wendy) Dennis and Jayne Dennis; and in-laws Patricia Dennis, Charles Sobkowiak, Karen Helgerson, Paul (Jane Brockway) Sobkowiak and Chad Sobkowiak. His best friend Glen “Skip” Haywood was always there for George throughout his battle with cancer. George will be remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Isabelle Dennis; siblings Denis Dennis and Alice Lehmann; and in-laws Joyce Sobkowiak and Fred Lehmann.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bhaskar and the Gundersen Hospice team for their compassionate care of George in his final days.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, with visitation being held from 1 p.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made in George’s name to the American Cancer Society or the charity of their choice.

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