Denise Ann DeLong

Denise Ann DeLong

May 19, 1951 - March 31, 2024

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Obituary

MADISON - Denise Ann DeLong (Bejin) passed away surrounded by her family on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. She was born on May 19, 1951, to parents, Bruce and Geraldine "Gerry" Bejin. The oldest of six children, Denise was raised in Chippewa Falls, Wis., on beautiful Lake Wissota where she enjoyed a happy childhood full of boating, swimming, water skiing and her favorite, ice skating.

 

After graduating from McDonell Central High School in 1969, Denise married her best friend, Steve DeLong, on Feb. 26, 1972, and soon after welcomed their daughter, Aimee. The family moved around for a few years before finally settling in Madison in 1976. Denise loved living in Madison and took advantage of all of the great restaurants, art fairs and festivals, and Badgers events. She started a career in insurance which was largely shaped by her role on the bargaining team during a WEA Insurance Trust strike in the fall of 1979. She was proud to be part of an all-female strike working hard to improve unfair workplace practices. She retired as a Vice President after 33 years at WEA Trust. During her time there, she made many life-long and treasured friendships.


When not working, Denise loved to travel including frequent trips to New Orleans and Zihuantanejo, Mexico. Just getting in the car to check out a neighboring town or new restaurant was a happy pastime. She was ever present to support and encourage Aimee and rarely missed her grandsons’ school events or games. After retiring, she greatly enjoyed all the varied MSCR classes that provided not only exercise but also support and friendship. Knitting also gave her a sense of peace and purpose in completing many knitting projects for her family and friends.


Denise is survived by her husband of 52 years, Steve; daughter, Aimee (Brad) Rowe; grandsons, Greysen and John Wesley; siblings, Debbie Bejin, Suzette (Dave) Joles, Bruce (Julie Bergeman-Stoflet) Bejin, Sally (Ozzy) Kary and Valerie (Scott) Herrick; sister-in-law, Nancy (Ron Runke) Sweet; aunt, Susan DeLong; and nieces and nephews, Dawn (Ken) Sweet, Greg Sweet, Jennie (Michael) Lusky, Ben Bejin, Charlie (Lissa) Licht, Mollie (Kris) Nordlof, Jessica (Shane) Erickson, Adem (Kirstin) Herrick, Shanon (Katrina) Herrick, Abbie Joles, Kayla (Ben) Poppe, Jacob (Leah) Kary, Noah (Alyssa) Kary and Allysa Michal. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Gerry Bejin; in-laws, Donald (Pat) and Maxine DeLong; and sister-in-law, Nancy Bejin.


The family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Rose and all of the staff for helping Denise “kick the can down the road” and her caregivers from Agrace HospiceCare for all of their kindness.


A celebration of life will be held at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, with a time of sharing at 1:30 p.m.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Denise’s name to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


Events

26
Celebration of Life
Fri Apr 26, 2024 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Olbrich Botanical Gardens • 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704
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CD
Candy Davis
Other •
Denise once gifted me the book “Good Granny, Bad Granny”. We often laughed about which one was which. Of course, I knew she was the “Good Granny”! I will continue to keep your spirit ever present with our loving Grandsons. I miss you!❤️ From “Bad Granny”, Candy
CO
Carol Overman
Other •
My condolences to Denise’s family, may she RIP. I knew Denise in HS & hung out Freshman & Sophomore years. She had an infectious laugh! Gone too soon. Carol (Loew) Overman
JA
Jane Atwood
Other •
Sending my condolences and hugs to Denise's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jane (Mueller) Atwood
PS
Peg Smelser
Other •
Denise was a cherished co-worker and friend of mine. I so admired her self-starter initiative and determination to do the right thing. And, she enjoyed life! Rest easy, Denise. - Peg Smelser
KV
Karin Valdes
Other •
So very sorry to hear about Denise, she was a participant in my Gentle Exercise class. She always sat in the front and we had many great conversations, we had a chance meeting in Waupaca at the Crystal Harbor, when she was with her daughter and her family, as I saw her walk in I said to my sister what a beautiful classy lady she was, and she agreed. Well I hadn’t recognized Denise because we were still wearing masks in class. She stopped me as I stood up and asked if I was Karin, I said yes, and she said “it’s me, Denise” and we laughed about how I didn’t know who she was without her mask. From then on I had a bond with her. I miss her presence in my class. I will never forget her.
JN
Judy and Dan Nystrom
Other •
Dan and I were so sorry to learn that Denise had died. We remember her as a great neighbor, hard-working and fun-loving. I admired her strength of mind when she set out to walk her 45 min. each day, rain or shine. She was good company, smart and spunky, and I always enjoyed talking with her. My favorite memory of her after she and Steve moved away is the sight of her driving her retro Thunderbird down Commonwealth Ave., Steve in the passenger’s seat, with a huge grin on her face, clearly having the time of her life. We send our deepest sympathy to Steve and Aimee. Judy and Dan Nystrom

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