Raymond "Butch" Denson

Madison - Raymond “Butch” Denson, age 87, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 4, 1938, in Madison, the son of Edward and Esther (Holmberg) Denson.

Butch graduated from Madison West High School in 1957. He married Geraldine (Schachte) Denson on September 5, 1959, at St. Mark’s Church. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1964.

Butch worked as a steamfitter for Johnson Control for over 30 years. He was a member of Steamfitters Local 601, the Moose International 2158 and of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church for over 60 years.

Butch had a great love of bowling. He bowled 300 games twice and traveled for the Bowling Nationals. He enjoyed gardening and grew his own popcorn. Traveling and seeing new sights was important to Butch, especially the winters spent in Florida. He loved spending time doing woodworking projects, socializing and camping.

Butch is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gerri; three children, Lynn Oldenburg, Melissa (Tom) Riley and Scott Denson; three grandsons, Nick (Gabe) Oldenburg, Evan (Rebecca) Oldenburg and Jacob (Ashlee) Riley; granddaughter, Kayla Riley; great-granddaughter, Jocelyn Riley; sister, Dottie Mellenberger; sister-in-law, Mary Schachte; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Esther Denson; two sisters, Kay Minter and Ruth Strand; and son-in-law, Eric Oldenburg.

A funeral service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, with the Rev. Elisa Brandt presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens, Cottage Grove with military honors. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SSM Hospice and St. Stephen's Lutheran Church.

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

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