Deanna "DeDe" Sue Kessenich

MARTINSVILLE / MIDDLETON - Deanna Sue “DeDe” (Simon) Kessenich, age 64, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, Dec 27, 2020. Deanna “DeDe” was born Sept. 6, 1956, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of John “Jack” and Dolores (Laufenberg) Simon. DeDe graduated from Middleton High School in 1974. While in High School, DeDe met the love her life, Dennis J. Kessenich. They were married on July 17, 1976. More than anything else, DeDe loved times with her family- sporting events, especially those of her children and grandchildren, family traditions and vacations at the beach. Throughout her life, DeDe was a pillar of strength for her family and friends, she was admired by everyone who was lucky to know her. She always looked forward to shopping and lunch with her girls and extended family. DeDe is survived by her husband, Dennis; children, Kendra (Tim) Cleary, Kelsey Kessenich (Joe Berndt) and Kaitlin (Tyler) Payne; grandchildren, Alden, Hudson, Madden and Kyan Cleary, Lincoln Payne and Elise Berndt; siblings, Linda (Dan) Pertzborn, Sam (Gladys) Simon, Jenny (Terry) Utter, Randy (Joyce) Simon, John (Katie) Simon, Jeff (Michelle) Simon, Sandy (Ken) Utter, Marla Simon, Chuck Simon, Annette (Kevin) McWilliams and Marcia (Ray) Parkin; mother-in-law, Betty Kessenich; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Joe (Linda) Kessenich, Dave (Cheryl) Kessenich, Mike Kessenich, Mary (Dale) Disch, Anna (Todd) Voelkl and Trisha (Paul) Trombino; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Rylee Payne; parents, Jack, and Dolores Simon; and father-in-law, Jerome Kessenich. A visitation will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. A private Mass will follow on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit DeDe's obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at UW Carbone Cancer Center, with a special thank you to Dr. Sam Lubner and his staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in DeDe’s name to the UW Carbone Cancer Center or St. Bernard Catholic Church or in memory of Rylee Payne to the American Family Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761