Dennis Earl Wright, 69, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on June 19, 2024. Born July 14, 1954, to Robert and Ruth Dee (Cline) Wright he was the youngest of 6 children. James A Allen (deceased), William M. (Judy) Wright (deceased), Jerry R. Wright (Oshkosh), Eugene L. Wright (deceased), Diana (Jerry) Langenhuizen (Larson).
Raised on a dairy farm near Winchester, WI. Where he learned how to farm, milk cows, shovel sh*t, bail hay and castrate pigs. While going to school at Winneconne until 1969 when he was a sophom*ore, his parents sold the dairy farm and bought the grocery store and restaurant in Tustin where Dennis attended Weyauwega High School, where he graduated in 1972. During this time, Dennis became an outdoor enthusiast where he spent lots of time fishing & hunting. In 1972 Dennis enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he was trained to be a radio operator at Camp Pendleton, CA. Until he was discharged in 1974. At the age of 19 Dennis was already a high school graduate and veteran.
Dennis got engaged to his high school sweetheart Nancy Gutbrod and they were married on Nov 30, 1974. Since the economy was bad, Dennis re-enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1975. After Dennis helped with the evacuation, he was sent to Paris Island, SC to be a Drill Instructor where he served until his discharge in 1977. It was during Dennis’s 2nd enlistment when he was blessed with the birth of his two daughters, Andrea Sasman – born 1975 and Merica Erato – born 1976.
After his discharge he was employed by Neenah Paper, located in Neenah, WI where he worked 35 years, as a machine tender on #8 paper machine. Dennis was a Union Representative for 30 years. Dennis liked to organize events such as the bowling team, fishing and big buck contests, and social hour at Gigi’s.
After starting employment at Neenah Paper, even though he had two lovely daughters at home, he really wanted a son. He was finally blessed with his son, Eric Lee Wright, born in 1978.
After Dennis retired in 2009, he worked different part time jobs, but the one he cherished the most was the City of Neenah dump where he worked 6 years and where he got to meet many Neenah residents and city employees who became new friends. He enjoyed all the conversations he had with them and the smiles he was able to put on their faces.
On August 15, 2019, Dennis married his 5th and final wife, the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen, his sweet Irene. On Sept. 15, 2021, Dennis had the privilege of going with his daughter Andrea on the Old Glory Honor Flight-Mission 55, an experience he will always cherish. Dennis always loved when he was able to spend time with his 3 children. His favorite memories are when he took them camping & fishing in the summers up at North Shore Campground on Lac Vieux Desert. This past January Dennis also celebrated 10 years of sobriety.
If you knew Dennis, you loved him. He could make anyone laugh. He would help anyone that needed it if he could. There were many friends he had that thought of him as a 2nd Dad. He was the world’s biggest smart ass but liked to crack a joke. He loved telling his stories. They would be long, but you could completely vision it, like you were there, living in the moment. He always needed his kiss and hug goodbye and would always say I love you more. Dennis has been a member of St. Margaret Mary’s of Neenah since 2020. Dennis would like to express his gratitude and appreciation to all his family, friends, and neighbors who helped him in his later years of life with all his daily needs. He loved having visitors, his door was always open. A special thank you to Father Nonito for his Sunday visits of prayer and communion.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; Robert & Ruth Dee (Cline) Wright and grandson; Vincent Angelo Erato.
He is survived by his children: Andrea (Brian) Sasman-Kronenwetter, WI, Merica (Josh) Erato-Neenah, WI, Eric (Camera) Wright-Neenah, WI; Grandchildren: Jordan Kabke, Italia Erato, Grace Erato, Sage (Samantha) Wright, Isabella Wright, Alex Steppke, & Jacob Sasman; Great Grandchild: Thyme Wright; Wife: Irene Wright; Siblings: Judy Wright (sister in law), Jerry R. Wright, Diana (Jerry) Langenhuizen; and many nieces and nephews. As well as a special thank you to Jeff Wright-Dennis’s nephew who was more like a brother to him as they were very close. As well as Moments Hospice Care, Anne from the VA, and social workers.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday June 25, 2024 at 12:30 pm at Neenah’s Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W Doty Ave, Neenah, WI 54956. A visitation will begin at 10:00 am and go until the time of service. A burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Park, 2786 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, where Marine Corp-military honors will be held. Following the services a celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at Lucky Dog’z Bar & Banquet Hall, 157 S Green Bay Rd, Neenah, WI 54956 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
