Dennis Spurlin

Dennis Spurlin

March 25, 1947 - August 04, 2025

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Obituary

Dennis Allen Spurlin, age 78, passed away on August 4, 2025, after complications of an extended illness. He was born on March 25, 1947, in Fort Dodge, Iowa to parents Edwin and Amy (McGuiness) Spurlin.

Dennis enjoyed Wisconsin Badger sporting events, participating in and watching Drum and Bugle Corps throughout his life, singing for the Madison Symphony Chorus, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by wife Barbara Spurlin; daughter Kimberly Blum (Cory); son Mathew Spurlin; grandchildren Owen, Weston, Sadie and Everly. He is further survived by Barbara’s children, Christopher (Katie) Wilbur, Stephanie (Drew) Reynolds; grandchildren Sophia, Annabelle, Joanna, Eleanor, Kyle, Ben, Eli, brother Ronald (Arlys) Spurlin, several nephews/nieces, cousins, along with many lifelong friends.

Dennis is preceded in death by his brother Robert (June) Spurlin, niece Heather Spurlin, and his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Military honors immediately following service.

Lunch and celebration of life will be at The Thirsty Goat, 3040 Cahill Main, Fitchburg after the completion of the service.

Dennis’s family would like to thank the UW Carbone Cancer Center as well as the Oakwood Village Hebron Oaks staff for their compassionate care.

Donations in Dennis’s name can be made to the Fort Dodge Lanciers Drum and Bugle Corps, Fort Dodge, Iowa or the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

Events

12
Visitation
Tue Aug 12, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home and Legacy Center • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Get Directions
12
Memorial Service
Tue Aug 12, 2025 @ 12:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home and Legacy Center • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Get Directions

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Memories

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Dennis
SE
Sheri Evans-Piper
Friend •
Dennis was a co-worker.ItIt didn’t take long to see his razor shape humor and love of music. There were times we would laugh so hard we couldn’t breathe. That made answering the incoming calls impossible. I’m grateful I got to know Dennis. I’m proud to call him a friend.
KB
Kimberly Blum
Family •
I have been told a million times how much I look like my Dad, both are left handed, organized, with the same sense of humor. He was a great Dad and Grandpa and always loved to play "fart sounds" on the Alexa to get the kids riled up at his house. He was fun, kind and supportive. He will be greatly missed but so happy his health problems are gone. May he RIP
RP
Rex Piercy
Family •
Our mothers were first cousins. Growing up in Storm Lake, our family visited the Spurlins in Fort Dodge fairly often. It was delightful when six decades later I reconnected with Dennis here in Madison. I will miss him and our lunches and all the catching up we could have done. Rev Dr Rex E Piercy
JS
Jack and Brenda Spurlin
Family •
Sorry to hear this news. Dennis and I were close as young cousins we had alot of play time. I always remember when he lived in Pleasant Valley. Dr and Mrs. Jack Spurlin
JW
John (Corky) Whitlock
Friend •
My history with Dennis goes way back to the mid-sixties when I was teaching, writing music, and judging the Ft Dodge Lancers drum & bugle corps. He was a great guy and we had some great times together. May he rest in peace. John (Corky) Whitlock. (St Paul Scouts, Minnesota Brass, Federation of Contest Judges, Central States Judges Association and Drum Corps International.
SS
Scott Spurlin
Family •
My thoughts, 🤲 ers, and condolences to the family of Dennis Spurlin. He was my cousin and as he was ten years older I did not see him much. We always visited uncle Ed and aunt Amy when in Ft. Dodge. Ed was my fathers (Dale Spurlin) older brother. Dale passed away this past June 25th. I do remember Dennis always being interested in music and band. Wishing you many lovely memories!

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