Don Denson

Don Denson

September 14, 1933 - January 31, 2026

Send Flowers

Obituary

MIDDLETON - Dean D. “Don” Denson, age 92, of Middleton, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the VA HospiceCare in Madison, Wis. Don was born on September 14, 1933, in Madison, the son of Benjamin and Margaretha (Grace) Denson. He graduated from Middleton High School in 1951, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn (Forsmo) Denson. They married on November 22, 1952.


A lifelong resident of Middleton, Don excelled in sports throughout his high school years, especially baseball. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers as a shortstop, but before he could pursue that dream, he was drafted to serve in the Korean War. While stationed in Germany, he was a pole lineman, and he played semi-pro baseball for the U.S. Army.


Don was known for his strong work ethic and rarely sat still for long. He spent his entire career in the Redi-Mix industry, beginning with Raemisch Redi-Mix, Lycon, and finally Wingra. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved cheering on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events and was a devoted fan of the Badgers and Packers.


Don is survived by his four children, Donald (Ben) (Margaret) Denson of San Marcos, Texas, Ron (Lynn) Denson of Middleton, Dena (Ray) Harter of Cross Plains and Kirk (Rená) Denson of Middleton. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Hayden (Kendal) Denson, Haley Denson, Hanna Denson, Kelsey (Graham) Nugent and Aaron (Brittany) Harter; and his great-grandchildren, Noah, Luca and Tessa Harter and Davis Denson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Carolyn of 72 years; his sister, Shirley (Denson) Olson; brother-in-law, Steven Olson; and an infant sister.


A memorial service will be held at ST. LUKE'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026. A private burial service will be held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.


The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the VA and dad's devoted caregivers-Cindy, his Senior Helper for many years, and Mike, his live-in caregiver for the past year and a half, for their exceptional care and compassion.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church or a charitable organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Events

09
Visitation
Mon Feb 9, 2026 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Luke's Lutheran Church • 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions
09
Memorial Service
Mon Feb 9, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
St. Luke's Lutheran Church • 7337 Hubbard Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions
09
Military Honors
Mon Feb 9, 2026 @ 11:50 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Lukes Cemetery • 7515 Century Place, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of Dean
No photos of Dean have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Dean
AD
A Memorial Tree was planted for Dean D. "Don" Denson
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Middleton
RN
Rosie Nonn
Other •
My favorite memory is being packed into Don's car and chasing fire trucks. Carolyn would perm and cut our hair. One day my mom was bent over pulling weeds and Mr. Denson pulled the car in quietly and honked. Scared her and we all laughed. Excellent people.
BF
Badger Honor Flight
Other •
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Dean Denson. We are forever thankful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was to take him on his “Trip of a Lifetime”. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
BA
Brad Acker
Other •
My heart goes out to the whole Denson family, its been a hard year. Kirk and I grew up together so I have great memories of Don. As hockey teammates our parents would take turns driving Kirk and I to practice and games, at that time always in Madison. If my dad (Vinny) was driving it was a slow 20 minute drive. If Don was driving it was faster, lots faster. We might start behind schedule but we always made it on time! One does not typically think of a 1980's white Dotson hatchback as a performance car but Don may have ordered a special model. We would put half our gear on at home, I though to save time, but it may have been also for protection. Don't get me wrong, Don was a great driver. We never got in an accident, but I may have seen a few UW students run. Don was also a strong man. I learned early how to tighten my own skates, mostly out of self preservation. When Don tightened skates you would get a head rush from all the blood leaving your feet. Thanks for the service to our country. Don and Carol will be greatly missed but will live on in my memories forever.
DK
Duane Kleven
Other •
GOING TO REALLY MISS OUR "COFFEE CLUTCH" AFTER THE 10:00 AM SERVICE AT ST. LUKE'S ON SUNDAY MORNING! DUANE KLEVEN
MS
Mike Schoonveld
Other •
Condolences and prayers to you all. Don was a a friend and mentor to me when we served together on the St. Luke’s Building Committee and a man I always admired. I always looked forward to seeing his wonderful smile, whether it was at church or around a baseball field. I’m sure he is united with Carolyn and they are smiling together once again in Heaven. God bless you all. Mike Schoonveld

Memorial video

Share memorial