Arvid Neil Denner

MIDDLETON-Arvid N Denner, age 92, a proud World War II veteran, died peacefully at Segoe Gardens Assisted Living on Friday, November 4, 2016.  He was a loving husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. Arvid was born into a tight-knit family in Middleton on March 16, 1924 the son of Harven and Lavinia (Bremer) Denner.  He spent many of his early years helping his father and brothers operate the Denner and Tiedeman  Blacksmith Shop and Filling Station.  He was very proud of his ability to weld farm equipment for the local farmers.  Shortly after graduating from Middleton High School in 1941, Arvid was drafted into the United States Army.  By 1943, he was training with the 10th Infantry Division in Northern Ireland.  He landed in France on June 16, 1944.  Arvid was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge on December 24, 1944.  He survived that historic battle and was discharged in 1946.  Shortly after his return, he went to the Lorraine Hotel where he met the tall and beautiful Rita Knuijt.  She was a singer and musician with the band entertaining at the hotel that night.  After a short courtship, they were married on April 12, 1947.  On June 18, 1948 they were blessed with twin daughters, Bonnie and Connie.  During these years, Arvid enjoyed working for the Public Works Dept. in Middleton.  In May 1957, he accepted the position of Public Works Director in Brillion, Wisconsin.  While living and working in Brillion, son Donald was born.  Now with three children, Arvid wanted to return to Middleton to be near the rest of his family so in 1961 he became the Supervisor of Public Works in Monona.  Following Rita's unexpected death in 1968, Arvid married Norma Kettler, in 1974.  Along with her four adult children (Nancy, Ellen, Mike and Mark) a new family was formed.  After retirement in 1986, Arvid and Norma lived two of their retirement dreams.  They bought a small farm outside of Belleville and raised Angora goats.  The North woods intrigued them so they bought a home on a lake west of Minocqua.  Both homes were well-equipped with woodworking shops where he could loudly play his favorite Big Bands records.  Arvid is survived by his wife Norma; his daughters, Bonnie (Terry) McClain, Connie Denner-Kane (Gary Kane) and son, Donald (Susan) Denner. Survivors also include his four step-children, Nancy (Richard Krake) Ellen Carthew, Mike (Jenny) Carthew and Mark (Linda) Carthew. Many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews survive Arvid , all of whom he dearly cherished. Arvid was preceded in death by his first wife Rita, parents; and his brothers, Vernon (Elsie), Norman (Marion) and James (Mary).  Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 11am on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, with the Reverend Heather Hayward presiding. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9am until the time of service at the funeral home. During Arvid's long life he dedicated himself to serving on the volunteer fire departments in the city's he worked as Public Works Director.  With that in mind, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Middleton Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.Rest well Dad. We straightened up  the workshop and put the tools where they belonged. Das ist gut. Gunderson West