Dennis J Bayorgeon

MADISON - Dennis J. Bayorgeon passed away suddenly on Aug. 26, 2024, in Madison, Wis. He was born in Kaukauna on July 7, 1957, to Dean and Elizabeth Bayorgeon (Werschem).

Dennis attended school in Kaukauna, graduating from Kaukauna High School in 1975. He proudly talked of walking across the street from St. Mary’s Catholic School every day to have lunch with his grandmother at the bar she owned, The Ritz. He attended University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and received his Bachelor of Business Administration before receiving his Master of Business Administration at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a proud Wisconsin sports fan, frequently attending Packers, Badgers and Brewers games. Dennis made lifelong friends throughout his time in Kaukauna, Oshkosh, Madison, and Clearwater Lake. Dennis reveled in continued memories built with them around the campfire up north.

Dennis worked for Tom Pyle for over 40 years, beginning at Rayovac. He moved to Uniek Inc. in 1999 in a financial position, and spent the last 25 years in leadership roles, the most recent serving as President and COO (2016). His vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment significantly shaped the landscape of Uniek and contributed to decades of success. Dennis will be greatly missed by the Uniek staff. Not only was he the company’s President, but also a mentor and a friend. In recent days his team has described him as humble, generous, considerate and selfless. His capacity for numbers was famous, with people calling him the “human calculator.” His legacy will continue to inspire the Uniek staff as they move forward.

Dennis married the love of his life, Diane, in October of 1999. They built a beautiful life together, and proudly raised his two stepchildren, Austin and Karrah, as his own. Dennis was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a doting grandfather. He wore these titles proudly, never missing a concert, game, or event. He was always steady, stable, and comforting. Dennis was never happier than sitting next to his wife in the screen porch by the lake, with a fishing pole in hand, or on the floor with his “grands." In our hardest moments, we’ll remember him with a grin on his face asking people to throw a dollar in the center of the table for another round of “Shake of the Day.”

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Elizabeth Bayorgeon; and brother-in-law, David Jeffery.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diane; his children, Austin (Bailey) and Karrah (Paul); his grandchildren, Ellis (Karrah and Paul) and Noah (Austin and Bailey); his sisters, Cindy (Jerry) Torbeck and Lisa Van Abel; as well as many nieces, nephews and great friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, with a luncheon to follow. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday. A private family burial will be held out of town on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to sustain and support conservation efforts in and around Clearwater Lake. Dennis loved spending time on the lake, especially with a fishing pole in hand, and it was important to him that they were sustained well.

To support conservation efforts across Three Lakes, Wisconsin:

Three Lakes Fish & Wildlife Improvement Association

PO Box 659

Three Lakes, WI 54562

Checks should be made out to “Three Lakes Fish & Wildlife Improvement Association”

To support the fish stocking efforts on Clearwater Lake:

Clearwater Lake Club

2152 St. Mary’s Road

Eagle River, WI 54521

Checks should be made out to “Clearwater Lake Club”

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

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761