Dennis Ernest Pevonka, age 97, passed away on Monday January 22, 2024, in Shawano. Born in Leopolis on January 21, 1927, he is the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Paiser) Pevonka. Dennis grew up in Leopolis, the youngest of five, being raised by a single mother due to the death of their father when the children were very young.  All the children were very good to their mother and knew how to work. Dennis graduated from Marion High School, then proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in the Philippine Islands. On September 17, 1949, he was united in marriage to Lucille Beyer in Leopolis. Dennis' friend set them up on a blind date, since Denny didn't have a car at the time, his friend had to drive him. The date must have gone well, because it led to a wonderful marriage that lasted 74 years. The couple had no children and were by each other's side… always and were very close to their nieces and nephews.

Denny began his career at FWD (now Seagrave) and worked his way up the corporate ladder throughout 50-some years. He was a member of the FWD Foreman's Club. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, friends, his careers and traveling all over the world, especially Paris. Both he and Lucille were always ready to go on an adventure................ enjoyed it, were interested in it, and had fun!  He also loved reading and learning, and if Dennis said he was going to do something, you could count on him and know that it would be done correctly, with a great deal of pride, time, and effort.  Dennis was a huge Green Bay Packer fan, a season ticket holder, and cheered on the Badger, Bucks and Brewers.  He was a Christian man who was an active member at St. James Lutheran Church, rarely missing weekly services, where he served as an usher and collection tabulator for many years.  Dennis was a proud American who kept up with the world around him, the economy, politics, government, as well as foreign issues. Dennis liked eating out with friends and enjoyed a good Old Fashioned..... or two!  Dennis especially looked forward to Friday fish fry… a fish-fry was only 50₵ in the 1930s. He was a kind gentle man who was a friend to all.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 74 years, Lucille; nieces, Mary Jo (Jack) Link, Susan Gruetzmacher, Bonnie (Doug) Kline, Marcia (Tom) Buker, Karla (Steve) Duchac, Debra Stroming, Kristie (Todd) Runge, Sandra (Jeff) Allen, Cindy (Tom) Fenwick, William (Sharon) Herrmann; and cousin, Mike Paiser.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Mary; his brothers, Clarence (Jean) Pevonka, Milton (Valerie) Pevonka and Orville (Irene) Pevonka; his sister, Mildred (Joe) Ashenbrenner; sister-in-law, Ione (Bill) Herrmann; brother-in-law, Donald (Mary) Beyer; nephew, Gerald Ashenbrenner and niece, Mary Beth Ashenbrenner.

A funeral service for Dennis will be held at 11:00 am on Friday January 26, 2024, at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano with Vicar Kaiser officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday at the church starting at 10:00 am until the time of service. Military Honors will be conduct by the Shawano American Legion Post #117 at the church following services. The burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Come and share some stories to bring smiles to our faces about Uncle Denny as we celebrate a life well lived. Memorial donations may be directed to St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano or Moments Hospice of Appleton.

The family would like to thank The Cottages Memory Care and the Moments Hospice for the kind, loving care they have provided.