Dennis Thomas Buzz" Gerches, age 69 of Shawano, formerly of Illinois, died on Friday, February 28, 2014 in Appleton. Born on May 1, 1944 in Cicero, Illinois, he is the son of the late Paul and Julia (Gudaidis) Gerches. Dennis was united in marriage to Jewel Reichelt on October 7, 1991 in Joliet, IL. Dennis and Jewel often spent time in the Shawano area and after Dennis' retirement, the couple moved to Shawano where he enjoyed learning to golf, finding he had a natural gift. He also enjoyed fishing on Shawano Lake and became a valuable player in the local dart league. Dennis enjoyed traveling with Jewel and her brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Diane, especially cherishing the trips to Arizona and Hawaii. He absolutely loved life and was often heard telling jokes. Dennis is survived by: his wife, Jewel; his son, Brian Thomas (Maria) Gerches of Lockport, IL; 2 grandchildren, Samuel and Helena; a brother-in-law, Fred (Diane) Reichelt; nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paul Gerches. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com