Dennis Lee Holcomb

Dennis Lee Holcomb

April 1, 1946 ~ November 26, 2023

Age ~ 77

    Dennis L. Holcomb, age 77, of Phelps, Wisconsin passed away Sunday, November 26th at home as he wished with his wife, Mary Ann, by his side.

    Denny and Mary Ann were married in 1985 while living in Stevens Point. Denny worked for Sentry Insurance until his retirement in 2001. Upon retirement, Denny and MAK used his life- long love of woodworking to make their cabin into the full time home they dreamed it could be in Phelps. Once relocated to Phelps, Denny was active in the community. He contributed to the Snowmobile Club, Parks Department Phelps Historical Museum and worked with Habitat for Humanity.

    When not busy with community work, the annual “mooching” trip let him keep up life long friendships with those scattered about the US. He loved golfing, long, slow boat rides, and generally keeping busy with whatever project he could find.

    Denny, the eldest of 6 children of Edward and Stella Holcomb, was born on April 1, 1946 in Laona, WI. He grew up in Chicago, IL but spent summers with his grandparents in Armstrong Creek WI and considered himself a farm kid, loving to tell stories about those summers. He relished his role as the oldest, and cared deeply for his siblings Deb (Paul) Lambert, Dale Holcomb, Sandy Holcomb, Cindy (George) Kierstein and Pam Holcomb (deceased).

    Denny said fatherhood was his greatest pleasure. He leaves behind, Kristen Borrelli and John (Christina) Holcomb along with his step-sons Jake (Tami) Klabon and Bill (Lori) Klabon. His eight grandchildren knew him as Papa which he proudly insisted all their friends also call him.

    A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday December 9th from 1-4 at Hillside Restaurant in Phelps.

    All who spent time with Denny know that his greatest source of comfort and self-expression in the last few years were “his songs”. He was envious of those with musical ability throughout life but it took on special meaning to him during these last years. In leu of flowers, please donate to the Phelps School music department in his name.

    Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com