Dennis Walter Persha, age 87, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. A memorial gathering for Dennis will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville. Dennis was born on February 8, 1939, to Walter andContinue Reading
Dennis Walter Persha, age 87, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Aurora Medical Center in Grafton.
A memorial gathering for Dennis will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville.
Dennis was born on February 8, 1939, to Walter and Gertrude (Pagel) Persha in Horicon, Wisconsin. He went on to graduate from Horicon High School. On September 30, 1961, Dennis married the love of his life, Lynn E Dornfeldt. Together, they raised their two daughters, Stacey and Stephanie.
Dennis dedicated his life to helping others. He served as the Chief of Police for the Township of Hustisford for 17 years. Before his retirement, he worked as a driver for Dodge Concrete.
During his free time. Dennis enjoyed spending as much time as he could outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed working in his garden and above all, loved driving his big blue tractor. He also enjoyed visiting casinos and spending time with his friends and family. He will be remembered for his caring heart and dedication to those he loved.
Dennis is survived by his daughters: Stacey Persha and Stephanie (Lee) Bonack; his sister Sandra Thomas; grandchildren: Tenley Schwartz, Jessica (Ethan) Hass, Matt Bonack, and Chelsey Ripple; and great-grandchildren: Mason Ripple and Loretta Hass. Dennis will also be missed by other dear family and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his loving wife Lynn in 2023; his parents Walter and Gertrude Persha; his sister Ramona; his nephew Dale Williams; and his brother-in-law Mike Thomas.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Prairie Ridge Assisted Living for the outstanding care they took of Dennis for the past three years.
C. Kadinger
left a message on June 24, 2026:
I had the honor of working with Denny when I began my career in law enforcement (43yrs). In that era you were a peace officer so as to keep the peace. Dennis taught many of us "kids" , the art of talking to people, give em a kick in butt, because making an arrest was last option.
The lessons taught by the veterans , we repeated when we became the Old Guys. Dennis was up there with Bill Christian and John O'Donovan all who I was able to call friends.
I would imagine there's a celebration in the clouds, many good friends are together.
Craig Kadinger
C.P.D./ WI Capitol (Sgt.)
Chuck and Cassandra Tyrrell
left a message on April 16, 2026:
Carolyn Markson
left a message on April 16, 2026:
Dear Stacey & Stephanie,
Learning of your Dear Dad’s death is very sad. Your family played a big part in our lives when we came to Wisconsin and I miss both of your parents plus Lee, and your Grandmother too.
I remember that Lee would collect weeds with a bubble on the stem, some kind of insect home that your Grandfather used for fishing! When ever I see one I’m reminded of Lee & all of your family!
My loving sympathy to each of you and any other family,
Sincerely,
Carolyn Markson
Greg & Susan Bessette
left a message on April 8, 2026:
The Droese Family, The Hartwig Family & Lisa and Lyla
left a message on April 7, 2026:
Jayne Walter
left a message on April 7, 2026:
So sorry for your loss. I will miss him buzzing around Prairie Ridge.
Sandi Thomas
left a message on April 7, 2026:
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
C. Kadinger
left a message on June 24, 2026:
I had the honor of working with Denny when I began my career in law enforcement (43yrs). In that era you were a peace officer so as to keep the peace. Dennis taught many of us "kids" , the art of talking to people, give em a kick in butt, because making an arrest was last option.
The lessons taught by the veterans , we repeated when we became the Old Guys. Dennis was up there with Bill Christian and John O'Donovan all who I was able to call friends.
I would imagine there's a celebration in the clouds, many good friends are together.
Craig Kadinger
C.P.D./ WI Capitol (Sgt.)
Chuck and Cassandra Tyrrell
left a message on April 16, 2026:
Carolyn Markson
left a message on April 16, 2026:
Dear Stacey & Stephanie,
Learning of your Dear Dad’s death is very sad. Your family played a big part in our lives when we came to Wisconsin and I miss both of your parents plus Lee, and your Grandmother too.
I remember that Lee would collect weeds with a bubble on the stem, some kind of insect home that your Grandfather used for fishing! When ever I see one I’m reminded of Lee & all of your family!
My loving sympathy to each of you and any other family,
Sincerely,
Carolyn Markson
Greg & Susan Bessette
left a message on April 8, 2026:
The Droese Family, The Hartwig Family & Lisa and Lyla
left a message on April 7, 2026:
Jayne Walter
left a message on April 7, 2026:
So sorry for your loss. I will miss him buzzing around Prairie Ridge.
Sandi Thomas
left a message on April 7, 2026:
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence..
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.