Obituary of Dennis Ewell
Dennis "Red" Ewell , age 67, a wonderful man with a beautiful smile was taken from the world on March 3, 2015 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Services will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 11:30 A.M. at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be held on Sunday at 9:30 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Denny was born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on May 17, 1947 to John and Bernice (Stone) Ewell. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965 and went onto Mid-State Technical College earning a degree in welding. Denny was one of the first players on the Mid-State Technical College's first basketball team . Denny married Linda Ortscheid and although the marriage ended in divorce they remained friends. Their marriage produced two wonderful children, John Ewell and Joann Beachem.
Denny was employed at Preway Inc. and retired from Corenso North America in April of 2010; he was a millwright at both places. Denny was a big man with a big smile and a hug for everyone. He loved to dance and would be the first on the dance floor to get the party started. He was known to suddenly grab his wife or daughter in the middle of a parking lot or grocery store to dance to real or imagined music. He enjoyed taking motorcycle trips to anywhere anyone suggested. Denny liked the great outdoors and especially liked going up north for hunting, fishing, four wheeling and just for relaxing. He was a mentor for the Wisconsin Challenge Academy and a big brother in the Big Brother Big Sister program.
In 1989 Denny reconnected with an old friend Laura (Larish) Lafler. Their friendship grew to be one of best friends and found that they were truly soul mates. They married in the spur of the moment while on a four-wheeling trip to Colorado in the town of Tin Cup, on the bridge of Frenchie's Café.
Denny is survived by his beloved wife Laura Ewell, son John (Marissa Johnson) Ewell and daughter Joann Beachem and stepson Lee (Holly Bass) Lafler. He is further survived by granddaughters, Nikki Peters, Tanya (Luke Schultz) Beachem, and Breeanna Beachem; grandsons Jon (Nicole Tonn) Passehl, Steven Ewell, and Dustin Ewell. He was so proud to be a dad and grandpa and his pride grew even greater by the births of his great-granddaughter Addison Passehl and great-grandson Jase Schultz. Denny is also survived by his loving but "much older" sister Gloria and brother-in-law Don Molski and their children: Mike Molski, Debbie (Matt Lega) Molski and Missy (Doug) Peters and his brother Larry (Sue Black) Ewell and his son Jeffrey. He is further survived by sisters-in-law; Lynn (Mike) Derrie, Lisa (Steve) Bollman, Christine (Marc) Ortiz, brothers-in-law; James (Paula) Larish and Jeff Larish and father-in-law Art (Phyllis) Larish, former stepchildren Dawn Emrich, Brian Emrich and Patty Petesen and many, many friends.
Denny was predeceased by his parents John and Bernice Ewell, brother Jack Ewell, sister-in-law Sheila Ewell and mother-in-law Mavis Larish.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net
The family would like to thank Doctors Ron Kirshling and Anna Olson and all of the nurses who took care of Denny on each of his visits to the UW Cancer center; Barb, Colleen, Jennifer, Jill, Jodi, Jona, Lori, Marilyn, Mary, RNs Mary Merdan and Mary Schwanebeck, and radiologists Vickie and Becky, receptionists Kim and Brandi, the kind volunteers Jim and Randy who made sure Denny got to and from the car to the center for his appointments. The family would also like to thank Aspirus Hospice nurses Christine, Renee, Kathy, Theresa and Shannon and social worker Rhonda for their compassion.
Denny was a gentle giant with a heart as big as Wisconsin. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. His love was unconditional and he always found the good in everyone. He was loved by many and will be missed by many. He will be greatly missed by his dog and companion Willow. Denny's two favorite sayings were "I may grow old but I will never grow up" and "It's only money!"
Denny, it was an honor to be your wife, your best friend and your soulmate. God truly blessed me when he brought you back into my life. I will love and cherish you all the days of my life. See you on the other side Sweet Love, Laura.
Timothy 4:6-8 King James Version (KJV)
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
