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

Dennis James Felton

May 04, 1965 - March 02, 2024

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