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

Denise Ann DeLong

May 19, 1951 - March 31, 2024

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