Dennis Graham

On a beautiful summer evening, September 16, 2022, Dennis L. Graham, known to many friends and family members as “Denny,” went to be with his beloved God in Heaven. Dennis earned his angel wings at 8:30 p.m. at the age of 78.

Dennis was born on August 29, 1944, in Amarillo, Texas, to Olivia and Earl Graham. Like an authentic Italian, he valued hard work and celebrated life's joys. As a young adult, Dennis actively participated in many sports while excelling in football and extracurricular activities. He graduated from Crystal Falls High School in Crystal Falls, MI, in 1962. He then obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and English from St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, WI, in 1969. A lifelong learner, he earned a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI, in 1978.

Dennis began his educational career teaching 4th grade for two and half years at St. Michael’s School in Marquette, Michigan. He continued teaching for the next 30 years in the Denmark, WI, School District teaching 5th grade, 6th grade, and 8th grade math. Dennis met his wife Mary (Mattek), a fellow teacher, while teaching at Denmark Elementary school in 1975. The couple married on June 10, 1976, and their marriage was blessed with three children Jim, Amy, and Paul. The twosome continued their teaching careers, with Dennis retiring in 2004.

Dennis continued to give his time and talents to the community during his retirement. He was an active parishioner at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in De Pere, WI. He also served as a pastoral assistant to Father Tony Dolski, was a communion distributor, taught CCD, and was a pastoral council member until his death.

A devoted volunteer, he dedicated his time to volunteering at the De Pere Food Pantry and teaching hunter safety. He was a Chief Inspector at the voting polls, soccer coach, and routine blood donor for the American Red Cross, earning membership into the high gallon donor club. In keeping with Dennis’s loving and generous spirit, it was his decision and final loving act of kindness to give the precious gift of life through tissue donation.

He enjoyed the outdoors, reading, traveling, hunting, cooking Italian cuisine, spending time at camp, making friends in the community, telling “funny” jokes, and sharing stories about his family’s adventures.

He spent endless hours patiently mentoring his children, sharing his wisdom, playing silly games with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him Bucka, and spending quality time with extended family and friends.

His family was the center of Dennis’s world. Being a kind, loving, dependable, caring, and compassionate husband, dad, and Bucka were of the utmost importance to Dennis. He certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.

Dennis is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 46 years, Mary (Mattek) Graham, and their three children: Jim (Kris) Graham, Amy (Brad) Hechimovich, and Paul (Jessica) Graham. He is also survived by his son Andrew (Jami) Heisley.

Dennis is survived by his cherished grandchildren: Matt and Brad Tursky, Griffin Hechimovich, and Olivianna and Charlotte Graham.

He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Muriel) Graham, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law: John (Marsha) Mattek, Jim (Debbie) Mattek, Judi (Mark) Gunderman, Joe (Shelia) Mattek, Pastor Dr. Michael (Teri) Mattek, Beth (Larry) Petts, and Lynn (Glen) Krivoshein. Dennis is survived by many loved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olivia and Earl Graham, parents-in-law Phyllis and James “Jim” Mattek, nephew Lance Cpl. John “Johnny” Mattek Jr., great niece Klare Sundermeyer, many beloved aunts, uncles, family members, and friends.

Family and friends may gather for visitation and prayer service at Cotter Funeral Home on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A parish prayer service will be held at 6:45pm. They may also gather for visitation at St. Francis Xavier Church in De Pere, WI, on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

To send online condolences, please go to www.cotterfuneralhome.com.

A special thank you is extended to De Pere Rescue, the medical team at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay, WI, in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, and Pastoral Care Department. Thank you for being so gentle with Dennis, for your expertise, and for making our family feel comfortable during each visit. We want to thank you for your kindness in helping Dennis through his final days on earth. Your gift is not just medical expertise; you are angels on earth.

Dennis, rest in the peace and comfort of our beloved God! Thank you for teaching us your wisdom, guiding us spiritually, holding our hand through the joys and sorrows of life, and giving us your everlasting gift of love.