Dennis Gerald Wicklund

MIDDLETON-Dennis Gerald Wicklund, age 66, died unexpectedly peacefully in his sleep at home on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. He was born on January 17, 1946, in Milwaukee, the son of Carl (Doug) Wicklund and Jean Madigan Wicklund. He married Gerri Frelich at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Manitowoc on August 16, 1969. Dennis graduated from Milwaukee Solomon Juneau High School in 1964 and went on to get his Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 1969. He earned a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 1973. Dennis taught social studies in the Milwaukee School system from 1969 to 1978. During his tenure in Milwaukee he was honored with the Outstanding Teacher “Bell Ringer” award as well as being a soccer coach. He was assistant principal and Athletic Director of Middleton High School from 1978 until 1990. During his tenure he was active in the Booster Club, and was responsible for the improvements in the baseball fields, stadium and pool. While working at the Department of Public Instruction from 1990 to 2002, he was a member of the Wisconsin School Standards Team ensuring that each Wisconsin School student would get an equal educational opportunity; as well as having been in charge of Wisconsin Charter Schools. Dennis was also a member of the Middleton School Board for six years. After retirement he worked on a part-time basis for Gunderson Funeral Home, TSA Airport Security, and Zimbrick. Dennis was a past member of the CESA#2 Board of Control as well as the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators. In 1990 Dennis was awarded the “Good Neighbor Award” in conjunction with the Middleton Good Neighbor Festival. He worked as a planner and worker of Special Olympics, the Middleton Gators as timer and announcer, the Ashton Go-Getters 4H and with the Boy Scouts as a parent helper. He is a past member of the Middleton Optimist Club, and a current member of the Cross Plains Lions Club. Dennis has been active in the Scenic Ridge Neighborhood Association and St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Ashton. He enjoyed large family gatherings, spending time with his children and granddaughters, cooking with the gourmet cooking group, spending time with Legacy of Leesburg Florida Retirement Community friends and playing cards. Little children loved playing with him. Dennis was known as always having a smile on his face, a quick wit, and for being the life of the party. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gerri; three children; Julie Wicklund of Elk Grove Village, Illinois; Betsy (Paul) Ohearn of Hartford, and Bradley (Corinne) of Kohler; three granddaughters; Kacie Ohearn, Edith Wicklund and Arlene Wicklund; a sister, Susan (Dennis) Beck of Sussex ; a brother, William Wicklund of Milwaukee; two sisters-in-law, Joan (Jeffrey) Fischer of Waunakee and Jean (Michael) Hopson of Fairview, Texas; an uncle, Jack (Jean) Wicklund of Sebring, Florida and his father-in-law, George Frelich of Waunakee. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH (ASHTON), 7121 County Trunk K, Middleton at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 13, 2012 with Father Brian Dulli presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton and also on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, 2401 American Lane, Madison, WI 53704. Cemetery: Burial will be in the church cemetery In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, 2401 American Lane, Madison, WI 53704. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton and also on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH (ASHTON), 7121 County Trunk K, Middleton at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 13, 2012 with Father Brian Dulli presiding.