Dennis Robert Sherraden

Dennis Robert Sherraden

September 25, 1946 - January 26, 2023

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Obituary

MIDDLETON - Dennis Robert Sherraden, age 76, of Middleton, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, surrounded by his family after he sustained an injury from a fall.


He was born on Sept. 25, 1946, in Manhattan, Kan., the son of Robert Sherraden and Madeline (Amthauer) Sherraden. Dennis graduated from Junction City High School in 1964 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout the same year. He earned a Bachelor of Science at Kansas State University in 1968 and graduated from the School of Dentistry at the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1971. After completing his dental residency as a prosthodontist at the West Los Angeles VA in 1977, he moved to Boston, Mass., to work in the VA outpatient clinic. While in Boston, he met his wife of 45 years, Debbie (O’Toole) Sherraden. They were married in 1978 and moved to San Francisco, where Dennis entered into private practice, taught as an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California-San Francisco, and served as the Co-Director of Graduate Prosthodontics in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. Dennis and Debbie then settled in Middleton, Wis. in 1985 where they raised their three boys and Dennis built a successful career working as a prosthodontist for over three decades prior to retiring in 2010. He did as much as he could to give back to his Wisconsin dental community, including a longtime membership in the Dane County Dental Society and served as the treasurer for the Wisconsin Dental Study Club. The highlight of his career, however, was the privilege to work in his own private practice.


Dennis was an avid golfer, talented saxophone player, and car enthusiast. He enjoyed singing, camping, going on road trips, sailing, driving to McDonald’s for his breakfast sandwich, and making his daily bruschetta. His travels took him to many destinations both here and abroad, even to India for his youngest son’s wedding. Dennis kept his mind busy with trivia in his spare time and took pride in being affectionately known as a “putzy handyman.” He felt great fulfillment giving back to the community. Some of his proudest examples of community involvement include serving as the Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 340, coaching youth soccer for several years, sitting on the Pleasant View Golf Course Advisory Committee, and volunteering with RSVP of Dane County.


Dennis was diagnosed with leukemia (AML) in 2010 and began remission after a generous stem cell transplant donation by a kind soul from across the pond. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and took great pride in his family. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; three sons, Collin (Alexandra) Sherraden, Brian Sherraden and Aaron (Neha) Sherraden; grandchild, Zya Sherraden; and brother, Michael (Margaret) Sherraden. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Madeline.


The family would like to extend a special thank you to the UW Carbone Cancer Center for giving Dennis many years of new life following his cancer diagnosis and to the Neuro ICU at UW Hospital for their exceptional care in his final moments.


A celebration of Dennis' life will be held at ST. LUKES LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his honor to the UW Carbone Cancer Center (https://www.wiscmedicine.org/cancer) or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (https://www.lls.org/). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761




Events

20
Memorial Service
Sat May 20, 2023 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Luke's Lutheran Church • 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
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Dennis
RS
rick schmelzer
Other •
Always welcoming and generous. I met Dennis on the golf course, enjoying 9 hole rounds walking with him. Thank you Dennis for being a positive force in my retired life! rick schmelzer
DD
Dave Duffy
Other •
Dennis was a kind and down to earth guy. He invited me to sing in the choir at church even though I really couldn’t sing well! He shared his wisdom as we played golf together. He showed a remarkable strength and resolve when life challenged him! Goodbye Dennis, you will be missed
MS
Marilyn Syring
Other •
Dennis touched so many lives in kind and positive ways. A ready smile on his face. His life is your legacy, his love was his gift and your memories of him are the comfort you'll keep in your heart forever. Marilyn Syring
BP
Bob Phillips
Other •
Dear Debbie and family, I was shocked to see that my good friend Dennis that I grew up with in Junction City, Kansas had passed away. Debbie you know how thankful we both were to have had our football games together, both here in State College for Penn State and up at your place for the Wisconsin game. We really enjoyed those long visits together and it really did not matter which team won the game. We were both the winners of those occasions together. Thanks for your hospitality while I visited you both in Wisconsin. Dennis will always be remembered as the best sax player in Kansas. He even got me to play the bass in his jazz band, so we would look better as a group although I did not know how to play the bass except for one solo he had me memorize. Rest In Peace my dear friend and God Bless your family. Love, Bob Phillips
JW
Jack Willome
Other •
Dennis was one of my very closest friends growing up and I'm very sad with his passing. I remember first meeting him in 1951 when his family was flooded out in Manhattan and they opened their store in Junction City. The Sherraden family was a huge part of my life and I have fond memories of overnights in their basement, scouting ( we were awarded Eagle at same time), band, making explosives with our chemistry sets....Dennis was always a few levels above me academically, musically and with the girls. I'll always be grateful for the influence that he and his family had on my life. His family is in my prayers as you move through this valley of grief. Love, Jack Willome
DS
Diana Stithem
Other •
This is such sad news. Dennis was a good friend in high school and we stayed in touch during my years as an undergraduate. He was studious and hardworking and fun and kind, and introduced me to the music of Stan Getz. He is the initial reason I love jazz to this day. My heart goes out to his family.

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