Dennis Emmett Scallon,

MADISON-Dennis Emmett Scallon, age 82, passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, July 8, 2012. He was born on Oct. 4, 1929, in Boscobel, the son of Frank and Winifred (Phelan) Scallon. Dennis was one of eleven children, and an identical twin to Daniel. He graduated from Spring Green High School, married Rita Baryenbruch on June 6, 1953 in Spring Green, and together they moved to Madison. He worked briefly at Oscar Mayer in Madison. Dennis then joined the U.S. Air Force, serving his country in active duty during the Korean Conflict. After returning from Korea, he continued his career in the Air National Guard for 36 years, retiring with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Dennis was especially proud of his role in maintaining an impeccable safety record as flight line supervisor. He loved sports all his life, both as an athlete and as a fan; and he also loved flying. Dennis was proud of his Irish heritage, and he loved to laugh, play cards, and tell stories with his many friends, including The Sweethearts. He was a loving and proud father and grandfather to his six children and 14 grandchildren. Dennis was a longstanding member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. His faith was very important to him. Dennis is survived by his wife, Rita; children, Nancy (Tim) Valentyn of Verona, Monie Scallon (Miguel Mostaza) of Madrid, Spain, Kevin (Betsy) Scallon of Cross Plains, Debbie Fairweather of Batavia, Ill., Greg (Shelly) Scallon of Chanhassen, Minn., and Peggy Scallon (Mark Redsten) of Madison. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Kenzi, Brett, and Connor Valentyn; Daniel and Alexandra Mostaza Scallon; Katie, Andrew and Sarah Scallon; Ian and Dylan Fairweather; Eli and Quinn Scallon; and Oliver and Genevieve Redsten. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Winifred; siblings, Vincent, James, Philip, William, Esther, Maxine, Janet, Leroy, Eugene, and Daniel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, near Cottage Grove. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2012, and also at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday. Memorials may be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, 1580 S. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 606; Libertyville, IL 60048. Memorials may be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness, 1580 S. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 606; Libertyville, IL 60048. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2012, and also at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding.