Dennis John Barrish

Dennis Barrish Obituary

Dennis John Barrish
January 4, 1943 - November 11, 2025

Dennis John Barrish passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of November 11, 2025, in his home. Dennis was born on January 4, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Helen (Faber) Barrish and Francis Emil Barrish. From the start, Dennis lived with curiosity, generosity, and had a deep love of people—qualities that would define his entire life.

Dennis attended primary school in Ohio before moving to Daytona Beach, Florida and attending Father Lopez High School. There he became known as "Daytona Denny" a gregarious and enthusiastic individual who loved playing football and racing his car "the green hornet ", a little too fast down the beaches. He then went on to attend college at St. Louis University where he met the love of his life.

On April 30, 1966, Dennis married, Barbara Ann (Schelble) Barrish in a fairy tale ceremony at St Roberts church in Shorewood, Wisconsin. Their nearly 60 years of marriage were filled with devotion, partnership, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to family and service.

A Life of Service, Warmth, and Heart

Dennis—"Denny" to his beloved Barbara and close friends—was a man defined by kindness, humor, and a sincere desire to help others. He believed in people, in their dignity, and in their capacity to succeed. His generosity extended to family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers, with a special affinity for those who became "adopted family."

Professionally, Dennis found deep purpose in community service. He worked with neighborhood housing organizations and later served as the Executive Director of the West End Housing Association in Milwaukee. Through these nonprofit roles, he helped countless Milwaukee residents improve their homes, stability, and quality of life—work that he considered one of the greatest privileges of his career.

Dennis was also active in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, where he and Barbara hosted retreats for the marriage and family program. Together, they supported couples seeking strength, unity, and compassion in their relationships. In addition, the Barrish family regularly volunteered preparing and serving meals for local homeless residents—a family tradition rooted in humility, empathy, and love.

During the 45 years that Dennis and Barbara lived at the "East Bay on the Lake" condominiums, Dennis was very involved on its board of directors, serving as President for many years. Those countless hours he spent reveal his passion for helping keep his community connected, beautiful and vibrant.

Passions, Humor, and the Joys of Life

Dennis's interests were wide and varied. A passion instilled early on by his mother; he was an enthusiastic lover of theater, music, and the arts. Over a lifetime of theater going, his favorite became the American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin. He also frequently attended the Melody Top, Shakespeare in the Park, the Milwaukee Rep, Next Act Theater, In Tandum, and the Milwaukee Ballet, Symphony, and Opera. Barbara was his constant companion in these adventures, and often his daughter Beth was at his side, aka his "favorite daughter," according to the jokes that circled lovingly within the family.

Though Katie lived outside Wisconsin for much of her adult life, Dennis delighted in her visits, her crazy stories from veterinary school, and many tales of animal adventures. One of his absolute favorite photos—which became famous among bank tellers and grocery store clerks across the Midwest—was of Katie in her farm overalls, arm buried up to her shoulder inside a cow's rectum during a veterinary exam. He proudly and repeatedly showed that photo of his other "favorite daughter" to just about anyone who would look, proof that his humor and pride in his daughters had no limits.

Dennis was also an avid runner with the Badgerland Striders for many years, joyfully completing numerous organized runs and half-marathons. He loved recounting the story of his favorite race, the Syttende Mai, which he completed in the mid-1980s and never failed to remind Chris Kangas that he used to effortlessly outrun him in their jogging days—memories they laughed about often.

Despite family dynamics changing over time, Dennis's bond with Chris endured with deep affection. They shared long talks, loyal friendship, and enthusiastic sports fandom—especially their devotion to the Green Bay Packers. Dennis wore his Packers jacket almost daily and even represented the Pack with wearing it to his dialysis appointments every week, a symbol of loyalty that stayed with him until the end.

His style was also recently marked by his beloved black Stetson cowboy hat, acquired late in life after sharing a childhood story of having once owned—and lost—a cowboy hat he treasured. At 80 years of age, after many decades without one, he finally chose a new hat with Katie's encouragement and a father-daughter shopping date. It marked his handsome style, and he wore that hat with joy, confidence, and undeniable charm. In fact, he earned the nickname "the man in black" amongst the Gables retirement center residents, who all seemed to enjoy that hat as much as he did!

Family Adventures and Cherished Traditions

Some of Dennis's happiest memories centered around travel and family time. He loved summers in Door County, especially Ephraim, with his extended family and dear friends, the Growts - a fun and loving bunch!

He enjoyed taking additional family trips to nearby places such as the Wisconsin Dells and other destinations around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. He found much joy in learning and adventuring with his wife and children - seeing new sites, historical locations, and the beauty of nature at its best.

Another cherished tradition in the Barrish family was Dennis's phenomenal cooking. Indeed, he was the chef of the household, and his family was especially delighted to eat his traditional Hungarian fare, such as Chicken Paprikas with home-made dumplings, Kolbas Leves (aka "the mean soup"), and his dessert specialty Palacsinta (filled crepes). Dennis also spent years perfecting his infamous Caesar salad which was enjoyed by all!

Later in life, Dennis enthusiastically championed his grandchildren's endeavors and dearly treasured his individual coffee and lunch dates with each of them, spending one on one time discussing their growing lives, recounting his past, and offering advice.

Physical Changes

Though he faced many significant health challenges in recent years—cardiac disease, kidney failure, and mesothelioma—Dennis approached every setback with astonishing resilience. Time and time again, he confounded medical expectations and was lovingly referred to as "the cat man," by Katie's partner John Wilson, because Dennis seemed to have at least nine lives. His perseverance was fueled by a strong will to live and the profound love and care provided by Barbara and Beth, who formed a remarkable team in supporting and extending his quality of life.

A Legacy of Love

Dennis—Denny, Dad, Grandpa—was a guiding force in the lives of all who knew him. He loved to listen and share thoughtful conversations and was always ready to share his brand of compassionate advice. His humor was warm and sometimes goofy, his presence steady, and his heart sincere. He believed in people, encouraged them, and walked through life with integrity and gentleness.

Dennis is survived by Barbara, his wife of a lifetime, who cared for him with love and loyalty throughout his many years.

Dennis is also survived by his two daughters, Beth Park and Katie Kangas, who adored him and were continually supported by his wisdom and unconditional love; his son-in-law Jon Park; his "son by love," Chris Kangas, and beloved grandchildren—Jessica, Christopher, and Nicholas Park, and Abigail Francis—each of whom brought him immeasurable pride and joy.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Francis Barrish and Helen Barrish/Le Blanc, Stepfather Armand Le Blanc, brothers Francis and Kenneth Barrish and grandson, Zachary Francis.

He will be deeply missed, forever admired, and endlessly loved.

We love you, Dennis Barrish—
Husband. Dad. Grandpa. Friend.
And so much more.

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A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 29th
Friends & family are welcome to drop in for any length of time from 1:00-4:00 pm

Come as comfortable and casual as you like. Packer's fans - feel free to come in fanfare attire.

Location:
Gables of Germantown.
N109W17075 Ava Circle
Germantown Wisconsin 53022

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to American Players Theater, Spring Green, WI.