Obituary
Dennis James Potaracke
Dennis James Potaracke was born on September 30, 1953 to Isabelle May & Bernard Joseph Potaracke. Dennis left to be with his Heavenly Father on November 24, 2023.
Dennis grew up on French Island living a “Huck Finn” lifestyle with adventures on the back waters and woods. He continued this love of nature in Soldotna, AK where he resided in a home that he built himself on the edge of a cliff enjoying the moose and critters that were frequent visitors. He was a man of the land and sea taking long hikes, fishing on the Kenai River and exploring back roads on car rides with family and friends to see changes in Mother Nature.
Dennis is preceded in death by his Mom & Dad and siblings Virginia, Ronald, Elaine, Norman and his four legged buddy Toby.
Dennis is survived by and will be dearly missed by his daughter Shelly Kleist (Patrick), granddaughters Hannan & Myriam, siblings Joann Harter, Carol Knudtson, Donna Kadlec, Kathy Ingalls (Arthur), twin Daniel Potaracke (Richard) and Connie Smith (George).
Our family would like to thank Gundersen Lutheran Cancer Care and Hospice Care teams along with the Veterans Affairs Care team.
Godspeed Dennis !
My friend, Michelle, know that you are always on my prayers and a faithful friend. Hugs to you.
Dennis and I had been friends for over 38 years.I hope you family find peace during this difficult time.Please know he was loved in Alaska
I was lucky enough to hang out with Dennis when we both attended St. James Elementary…back in the 60s. His obituary describes him perfectly. He was the Huck Finn of French Island. He was adventurous and would never shy away from a new challenge. I remember Dennis as a very tough kid who he had a huge, kind heart. I’m glad that he lived a happy, enjoyable life.
God Bless Dennis and his entire family….you have my sincere condolences.
My sympathies to all the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Dennis was a a good friend. I remember him taking us up to Fort McCoy picking blackberries by the 5 gallon buckets full. Lots of other memories too. He was a close friend of my brother Gary Brandt when they were kids.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Love to all your family. ?⚘️?
Dennis is missed already. You never know how someone touches your life until you can’t see them any more. Condolences to everyone who is missing him. God bless you Dennis. Good friend for long time.
So sorry to hear about Uncle Dennis’s passing. He was a restless soul searching. I am so glad to read he thrived in Alaska. He was missed ‘back home’.
Shelly, I am very sorry for your loss. Losing a dad leaves an absence that can never be filled, shared memories and stories often ease some of the pain and heartache. I am Glad to hear Dennis was home where you could cherish his final days on this earth.
God bless you and Uncle Dennis’s memory. I hope he has found peace.
My sympathy to all the family. I knew Dennis since my early childhood. They all lived across the street from my Grandma. Always really liked Dennis, such a nice, loving guy…always had a smile and a laugh! He will be missed!!!
My old Saint James Brother, We surely had some great times as Kids growing up on French Island and the Northside of La Crosse. I remember a birthday party of mine some how you sat on the cake. My family still brings that up. You left way to early Dennis I was hoping your brother Dan and Me could get together with you sometime to late. Saint James forever Brother fly high fly high. R.I.P.