Dennis James Felton

Dennis James Felton

May 04, 1965 - March 02, 2024

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Obituary

SUN PRAIRIE / MADISON - Dennis James Felton, age 58, of Sun Prairie, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at UW Hospital.


Born on May 4, 1965, in Milwaukee, Dennis was diagnosed at birth with OI, osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone” disease-which limited him physically, but never intellectually or spiritually.  His lifelong example of grace, courage and compassion inspired all who were lucky enough to know him.


Though Dennis never planned to be a pioneer, he gleefully ignored and broke through every barrier placed in his way.  He was the first “handicapped” child to be fully integrated into the Madison school system, and graduated from East High School in 1983.  He worked for over 20 years in office services at Oscar Mayer, volunteered at the Warner Park Center as a one-man computer help desk for technically-challenged seniors, served as a member of the OI foundation and the Patient and Family Advisory Council for the Northeast UW Clinic, and was past-president of the Special Touch Ministry.  When he was ­­28, he made up his mind to learn to drive-and he did.  He played drums at worship services and holiday productions at his church. And when he moved into the Liberty Boulevard community in 2021, he quickly established meaningful friendships with his new neighbors who appreciated his tech abilities, quiet but incisive humor, and huge heart.


Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Monnie, and is survived by his siblings, Dawn (Jon Joseph) Felton, Marvel (Jim Schuler) Felton, Mark (Janet) Felton, Amy (Tony) Puccio and Celeste (Avery) Manning; nephews and nieces, Andrew, Michael, Zoe, Sam, Chelsea, Britney, Tyler, Jordan Aryana, Hunter, Amanda, Jenny and Nakoha; great-aunt, Shirley Salisbery; and great-nephews and nieces, cousins, and other relatives and friends.  Though small in stature, he redefined what it is to be a giant for all that knew him.  


A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024, with the Rev. Derin Fowler presiding.   A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Dennis' name to the OI Foundation, oif.org/donations/donate. The link to the website appears below.


The family wishes to thank the staff at UW Hospital, TLC Unit for their wonderful care and support given to Dennis, and his family, his Liberty Boulevard community for embracing Dennis, his Oscar Mayer friends who stayed close and the dear friends he has known for years.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

16
Visitation
Sat Mar 16, 2024 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
16
Memorial Service
Sat Mar 16, 2024 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

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Dennis
MR
Mark Ramthun
Other •
I had a lot of classes with Dennis over the years in Madison until we graduated together in 1983. Such a kind soul and he had such a great sense of humor. He could always get me in trouble in class because he could make me laugh out loud all the time. Rest in Peace my friend.
RW
Richard Wiegel
Other •
I was fortunate enough to get to know Dennis through our mutual friend Peter Finnegan. We all worked together on a video for my band The Midwesterners called "Pecatonica Mud". I would visit Dennis occasionally as he lived across the street from Peter, and they would come together to one of my shows once in a while. Despite his difficulties, he was a kind, compassionate man who was always a pleasure to be around. RIP Dennis.
KD
Kent Davidson
Other •
I remember Dennis very well when we were growing up. He was much younger than me but always seemed so much older than his years. He was always so positive and never complained. He was quite a guy. My best to the Felton Family during this most difficult time. Kent Davidson
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John & Sharon Shotwell
Other •
DENNIS WAS THE “CREAM OF THE CROP” HE AFFECTED SO MANY PEOPLE WITH HIS GOD GIVEN CARING PERSONALITY. HE FACED PHYSICAL CHALLENGES AND PERSERVERED WITH GOD’S LOVING CARE OVER HIS LIFE. HIS LOVE FOR CHRISTIAN MUSIC WHEN HE PLAYED THE DRUMS IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE AT THE CHURCH WE ATTENDED AND HIS FAMILY. HE HAD A HEART FOR THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST AS HIS LORD AND SAVIOR. HE WAS LOVED, RESPECTED AND HAD MANY FRIENDSHIPS. HE IS NOW SAFE IN THE LOVING ARMS OF JESUS IN HEAVEN. JOHN AND SHARON SHOTWELL
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Vicki Vitense Olson
Other •
I had the pleasure of working with Dennis for many years at Oscar Mayer. He was always a joy to discuss many topics with and so friendly. I retired in 2006 and vital in the office Services deoartment. Always smiling and knew everyone in the office at OM
LM
Lindsey Morgan
Other •
I feel so blessed to have had the chance to get to know Dennis over the last few years. He was an inspiration and great friend. I will miss him tremendously. My love and sympathy to all of family and a special thank you to Dawn for everything. ❤️ Lindsey Morgan

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