Dennis A. Voelkner

Dennis was one of the kindest, honest, most down to earth people you could ever meet. Everyone who knew him loved him! He worked hard but he also enjoyed life. Dennis chose to laugh and stay positive rather than say anything negative or gossip about others. He truly cared for others and helped his family and friends whenever possible. Dennis also liked to visit people he knew, "I'll stop by only for one", he would say, but nobody really wanted him to leave quickly because they enjoyed his company. Dennis was great at telling stories especially when it came to the times he spent with his cousin-in-laws who were more like brothers when they got together. Dick Haley, Leonard Folczyk and Dennis were the original "Three Amigos". Dennis enjoyed the "fishing" trips up north with those guys as well as David Haley, Kurt Strand, Todd Neumann and others who joined them. Sometimes they caught fish and sometimes they caught bottle bass. Oh to have been a fly on the wall during those trips! However, when Dennis shared stories of their times together years later, he had the rest of us in tears, laughing so hard. Many times Dennis would end his recollection of funny stories just by shaking his head and saying, "uhhhhhhhh". When our Hendzel bunch would get together over the past 20+ years here in Milwaukee it was special. Often, we’d end up in a big circle just talking as a group, sharing jokes, stories and even some friendly ribbing. Carl and I remember the Tupperware party at Dennis’s house where he was very creative. Who would have thought salad dressing containers could double as jello shot holders? We also enjoyed the last of the pierogi parties at Dennis's house. The abundance of food served was incredible. The conversations and laughter we all shared together was unforgettable. Likewise, Dennis dressing up as Santa during our family Christmas parties was always precious. Most of the kids and adults were really surprised to see Santa in person. Dennis seemed to enjoy making other people smile, even when he lost his hearing aid in the Santa beard at the last party and it took a while to find it. One of my personal favorite memories of Dennis is when he stopped by our house after golfing one afternoon at the course down the road. Carl, Dennis and I had a couple of beers and ate supper together. Then we started talking about the "Oldies" music from the 50s and 60s. Dennis said, "I used to like to dance but I can't do that anymore, my knees are bad." Well within a few minutes I had the music going and we were dancing in my kitchen to several of his favorite songs including Pony Time and The Twist by Chubby Checker. His knees weren’t so bad after all - that was really fun. Above all, Dennis’s immediate family meant the most to him. Denise, Cheryl, Chandler, Kory and Ryan – all of us extend our sincere sympathy to all of you on the loss of your Father and Grandfather who was an amazing person. Godspeed Dennis. You were one in a million and will never be forgotten. We were so lucky to have been a part of your life and we all love you very much. Dawn and Carl Stenbol

Dennis was a good friend we partyed together played sheep head traveled to vegass with two other friends who have left us he would come up to randam lake for a few drinks banter a little then sit down to a good steak diner I willmiss taking to him about all are aches and pains and dr. appointments sure will miss him. we were friends sience he got out of the Army

Dennis was quite a man and I feel lucky we could call each other FRIENDS . I worked with Dennis for over thirty years at Rexnord/Nordco. The stories I could tell; our card playing at lunch,his crazy (Ha Ha) laugh when he beat us, and great times golfing after work, or just getting together for a few cold ones at his favorite watering hole (The Post). He will long be remembered and never forgotten. He always made people feel welcome. He will be missed by many. Rest in piece ! The drinks are free now 😇

My deepest sympathies! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this most difficult time. Kathy

Dennis was a very kind and great person who loved to socialize with family and friends. My condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.