Dennis Jerome Berenz

Dennis Jerome Berenz, 76, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, following a valiant battle with cancer. He was born on February 23, 1949, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the second son to Elmer and Rita (Stenz) Berenz. As a child, Denny proved too much for grade school and later graduated from L.P. Goodrich High School in 1967 by the skin of his teeth.

After graduation, Denny joined the Army, serving from June of 1968 until June 1971, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. After returning to civilian life, he worked a series of odd jobs until he found a “career” in being an engine tester at Tecumseh Products Company, where he worked from 1977 until the closure of the plant in 2007. Following the closure, he worked briefly at Speed Queen and finally, MB Companies until his retirement in 2015.

Denny married Elizabeth Kremer on July 26, 1985, in Fond du Lac, and they were married for 20 years. Together they had two children, Dustin and Sarah. While the marriage ended, their devotion to and pride for their children endured.

Denny was known to be an eccentric collector of items, including a wide array of music, movies, and die-cast cars; some considered his home a shrine for his personal interests. He also had interests in the Civil War, the Wild West, anything racing –particularly Formula One, and was a fan of the Brewers, Badgers, and Packers.

Denny is survived by his two children, Dustin (fiancé Carly Robaidek) of Sun Prairie, Sarah of Columbus, Ohio, grandchildren Miles and Julia Gainullin, also of Columbus, Ohio, and former spouse Elizabeth Kremer, younger brother Gary (Sandy) Berenz, and younger sister Sandy Ford, all of Fond du Lac. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and family. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Elmer and Rita Berenz, older infant brother John Berenz, and younger siblings James (Jim) and Joanne Berenz.

There will be no public visitation for Dennis; private family services will be forthcoming. The family would like to thank the staff of SSM St. Agnes Hospital, Froedtert Hospital, and SSM Hospice Home of Hope for their hard work and dedication to Dennis in his final days.