Dennis Carl Vaade

OREGON-Dennis C. Vaade, age 71, of Oregon, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at Belmont Nursing Home from complications of lung cancer requiring multiple surgeries. He was born on Jan. 25, 1947, in Stoughton, Wisconsin to Marcella B. (Ree) and Vernon C. Vaade. Dennis graduated in 1965 from Edgerton High School. He entered into the U.S. Army Reserves. He also worked at Wheeling Inc., Bowman Dairy (where he would bring home plenty of chocolate milk and juices for his girls), Zick Building Construction, Nicolet, and finally the UW Hospital where he really enjoyed working until he had to retire for medical reasons. After his retirement, Dennis looked forward to meeting his friends early every weekday morning at the Eatery, (now Sugar and Spice) in Stoughton for breakfast or just coffee and a great chat. Dennis really loved living out in the country with some great neighbors. He loved sitting with his animals watching for other critters that would stop by. He had plenty of bird seed and feeders hanging all over the yard. He took plenty of pictures of the turkeys and birds and any other animal that might show up. His favorite being an Oriole. Dennis was a very giving man and always willing to be a helping hand, whether it be helping someone move, or doing maintenance on their home such as painting indoors or outdoors, installing floors or ceilings, etc. He was a very good fixer upper. He even made spaces for his animals including stalls in the barn for the horses, fencing for the dogs to roam the yard, and set-up warm beds for the cats Dennis had many hobbies, but he really loved hunting (gun and bow) and fishing (especially in Canada). He also looked forward to his yearly motorcycle trip with his best friend, Vern and his son-in-law, Bill and a small group of friends to the North Woods for a much needed “Man’s Weekend.” He enjoyed watching Nascar, whether it was on television, or at the tracks. He went to Milwaukee and went on a yearly trip to the Michigan International Speedway. He loved cheering on his favorite driver, Matt Kenseth Dennis enjoyed camping with the family and showing off his fire-building expertise. He always had the biggest campfire in the park. He would challenge the “young pups” to just about anything (and usually won!) He was the self-appointed grill master of the group and wouldn’t have it any other way. There was one camping trip with his two girls to Jellystone Park Campgrounds where he shocked them when they found out he was Boo-Boo. He was asked to play the part for the evening activities. He had the best of times under the stars. Dennis also liked hiking, playing softball, bowling, dancing, and believe it or not, baking. He always had a treat ready when someone stopped by – cakes, bars, cherry cheesecake, or cookies (which were usually an experiment.) We were all thankful he got past his Craisins phase! He made sure everyone was all sugared up before they left. If not, he made sure they took some home. Dennis was a father of two girls and later brought three more girls into the family. He was definitely challenged having five teenage girls around at one time. He stuck it out for over 35 years and became a great father figure for all of them. He was very proud of all his daughters and the women they have become. Dennis also dearly loved his grandchildren and was thankful for all the time he was able to spend with them. He was always willing to watch them when needed and made their time very special! He helped out with transportation to and from school, sporting events, or any concerts. He enjoyed watching them do what they loved whether it be sports, music, or just watching movies. The holidays were his favorite times of the year when everyone would get together. Dennis is survived by his daughters, Tammy Vaade (Bill Linenfelser) and Jennifer (Dan) Webb; his partner, Brenda Legler; and his step-daughters, Randa Wilberg (Tony Barnes), Missy Legler, and Wendy Kjellstrom (Wayde Judd). He was the best grandpa to Jonathan Webb, Cianna, Samuel, Ty, and Sophie Pieper, Brittani and Alexis Ace; and Brek Kjellstrom. He will be dearly missed by everyone, including his furry friends, Buttercup and Festus (cats); and Sprecker and Tanner (dogs); Fancy, Jenna, C.C., and Indy (horses). Dennis is also survived by his siblings, David (Terri) Vaade, Darlene (Tom) Soergel, Douglas Vaade; and his best friend from High School, LaVerne (Chris) Sommerville (who he considered a brother); as well as many, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; and his infant brother, Vernon Lyle Vaade. Family is requesting in lieu of flowers and gifts, that a donation be made to: https://www.uwhealth.org/transplant/make-a-gift-to-support-transplant-and-organ-and-tissue-donation-services/ After a much-needed liver transplant, family, friends, and loved ones were able to enjoy an additional 17 years with Dennis in their lives. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park St. 608-835-3515