Dennis Arthur Granzen
October 09, 1961 - December 06, 2019
Obituary
MADISON/HARTSDALE, N.Y-Dennis A. Granzen, age 58, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Oct. 9, 1961, in White Plains, N.Y, the son of Roderick Granzen and Doris Lawson.
Dennis received his Bachelor of Arts degrees in Religious Studies and English from Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. Dennis married Pam (Hutchison) on July 13, 1991 in Madison.
Dennis was a gentle, wise and compassionate man. He was an incredible husband and father, a loyal friend, an advocate, a logophile (look it up) and a poet. He will be remembered for the way he could make people laugh with his stories and jokes. As his boys were growing up, he enjoyed coaching their little league baseball teams. Fond memories of being a young boy included summer trips to the Jersey Shore and Ponquogue Beach. Dennis worked for the Family Support and Resource Center and later for the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 28 years, Pam; two sons, Cullen Granzen and Patrick Granzen; two brothers, Michael (Karen Hernandez-Granzen) Granzen and Jerry (Kathy) Granzen; nieces, nephew, cousins and his precious Aunt Rosemary. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, consider contributions in Dennis' name to Habitat for Humanity, Guilford College, Dane County Humane Society or a charity of your choosing. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Gathering
Thu Dec 19, 2019 @ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Dennis have been shared yet.
Memories
KM
Kellie Miller
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Dear Pam and loved family of Dennis
I had the privilege of working as a resident centered advocate at the Board on Aging with Dennis- we talked a lot as our offices were right next door to each other! Together, we provided trainings for Volunteer Ombudsmen, problems solved and of course shared many laughs.... he shared such funny stories with me that I would often burst into laughter thinking of them days, months and even years later! He made my day when he asked me if he could use one of my iris photographs for one of his thought provoking Haiku posts on fb. Rest in Peace my friend- Kellie Miller
CB
Calvin Bruce
Other •
Dennis was a good soul and giving fellow. He was my patient and his visits brightened my day. Sorry he's gone. Cal Bruce
SB
Susan Borghoff
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Dear Pam, Cullen, Patrick and my cousins Michael and Jerry and families, With heavy heart I offer you all my deepest and most sincere condolences. Dennis was so special, and his presence on earth will be sorely missed but I do know Dennis will continue his acts of kindness and nurturing from above. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially today as you gather to honor his memory and be of support to each other. With love always, Susan Borghoff
JP
James Pritchett
Other •
Dear Pam, Cullen and Patrick, I am so saddened to learn that Dennis has died. When I first met Dennis at Guilford College in 1978 I knew he was a wonderful soul. As we both learned and prospered there in Greensboro during those years we shared many interests, had a few minor disagreements, and became good friends. I still have fond memories of visiting with you Pam and with Dennis in Madison. A Jaycee convention had taken me and my wife (at the time) to Milwaukee. And I insisted that we drive to Madison to see Dennis. It was a great visit. I now wish I had made that trip more often. Hopefully I will see Dennis again when I pass on. Then he and I will renew our debates about music, politics, and of course, spirituality. Pam, may God bless you and Cullen and Patrick! Dennis may be gone but his spirit lives on. With much love, Jim Pritchett
TS
Tribute Store
Other •
Dennis made me laugh almost daily- I loved & still miss his stories- He was a true advocate for many~ A gift to plant a tree in his memory. Kel & Tom