Dennis Hyland

Dennis Hyland

August 23, 1952 - July 20, 2026

Obituary

We are heartbroken to share that Dennis Ross Hyland—"Denny”—the man, the myth, the legend, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026. Denny was born on August 23, 1952, to Ross and Margaret (Ryan) Hyland. He grew up on the south side of Madison, spending his time playing the guitar, being the pitcher for fast pitch softball and playing hockey. And definitely wreaking a little havoc over the years. After many years working as a butcher at Kohl's Grocery Store, a hand injury led him to change careers. He set his sights on becoming a financial advisor, a profession in which he was truly gifted. Through his dedication, wisdom, and ability to connect with others, he found tremendous success. Following retirement, Denny settled in Blue River, Wisconsin, on a beautiful scenic parcel of land that brought him endless peace and happiness. There, he built a life he truly loved alongside his best friend and faithful companion, his dog, Wiley. He was never happier than when he had the chance to invite family and friends to experience the beauty of the place he called home.

Denny is survived by his three children, Shaun, Shanon, and Ryan; his six beloved grandchildren; his brother, Dick (Janet) Hyland; his sister, Patty Thunstrom; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Margaret Hyland; his sister, Mary Schmoldt; his brother-in-law, Dean Thunstrom; his nephew, Jeff Hyland; and his great-nephew, Carter Gehl.

Denny was strong, proud, generous, and unforgettable. He touched the lives of countless people through his laughter, larger-than-life personality, endless stories, and adventurous spirit. He was so much more than how his life ended. And unlike Denny‘s well-known trademark of an Irish goodbye, we would like to offer an opportunity to celebrate his life on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Ryan funeral home, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona, Wisconsin, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s Foundation. To view his obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com


Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625

Events

30
Celebration of Life
Thu Jul 30, 2026 @ 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home • 220 Enterprise Dr, Verona, WI 53593
No photos of Dennis have been shared yet.
NH
Norm Hansen
Family •
We used to pretend fight. It usually ended with both of us rolling around on the floor laughing our heads off.
NH
Norm Hansen
Family •
Denny was a great guy. We grew up together in South Madison. We learned how to play, fight, and enjoy sports together and against eachother. Fastpitch sofrtball was our passion back in the day. I didnt see him mutch as an adult, but when we did it was like we saw eachother that morning. We were those kinda friends. Not seeing him nuch as an adult reminds me of all the fun childhood things we used to do. We had lotsa fun for sure . I ll never forget alot of the fun episodes we had. God Bless Denny!
JR
Juli Reff
Friend •
Your endless infectious laughter will be missed

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