MADISON/PORTAGE – Kathleen Ann Dennis, age 79, passed away on May 8, 2024 at The Rivers assisted living in Portage, WI. She was born on November 27, 1944 in Rockford, IL to parents, Harry “Doc” and Kathleen (Reiland) Prenot. She was baptized on December 10, 1944 at Holy Cross Church in Stockton, IL.

Kathleen “Kathy” was a 1963 graduate of Central High School in Madison. She married David W. Dennis on August 21, 1965, sharing nearly 58 years of marriage. Together they raised two children. Kathy worked as a nurse’s aide at UW Hospital before starting a family. When her children were young, she worked as a restaurant cook. She later worked in childcare as a home daycare provider. During this time, she provided daycare for her three oldest grandchildren until school age. She then worked in the cafeteria at Kennedy Elementary. One of her favorite pastimes along with her husband David was taking a Sunday drive. They especially loved driving to Spring Green. She also enjoyed reading her harlequin romance novels.

Kathy was a loving wife, mother, grandma and sister. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family; always doting on her children and grandchildren. She also cherished the close relationship and friendship shared between her sister Kris and sister-in-law Donna, who was like a sister to Kathy. They meant the world to her.

Kathy is survived by her husband, David Dennis; children, Vicki (Brian) Fehrman and Mark (Cassie) Dennis; grandchildren, Cody Dennis, Emily Fehrman (fiancé Orion), Nicole (Kaleb) Yoss, Tristan Dennis, Madilyn Dennis; great-grandson, Atley Yoss; sister, Kris (Jack) Laylan; sister-in-law, Donna Dennis; brother-in-law, Ron Dennis; and nieces and nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Doc and Kathleen Prenot; parents-in-law, Gilbert and Lois Dennis; grandson, Connor Dennis; and nephew, Ken Laylan.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Virginia McKenna for being a wonderful doctor and special friend over the years, and to The Rivers in Portage for their compassionate care all along and especially towards the end.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2024 at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, WI. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250

Kathleen Dennis

November 27, 1944 - May 08, 2024

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