Photo courtesy of Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel - Portage
Portage, Indiana
Oct 7, 1946 – Jan 9, 2021 (Age 74)
Gerald R. “Butch” Dennis, age 74, of Valparaiso passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021. He was born on October 7, 1946 in Hammond, Indiana to the late Karl and Dorothy Dennis. On June 9, 1973, he married Sue Anderson in Portage, Indiana. Butch proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired in 2004 from working as an Operating Engineer. He was a member of the Operating Engineers local #150, the American Legion Post #502, the VVA Chapter #905 and the VVI of LaPorte. He loved guns, playing golf and recently began blacksmithing as a hobby.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Sue Dennis; son, Raymond Dennis; daughter, Jennifer (Shawn) Fuller; grandchildren, Coleton, Graham and Gracyn Fuller, and Ashlynn Dennis; sisters Susan Dennis and Carol Meier; many loving nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Dorothy Dennis; brother, Karl Dennis; sister, George-Ann Vestal.
A funeral service for Butch will take place Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 6:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with Rev. Don Good officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in a private ceremony. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.
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Dear Sue and your beautiful family. Larry and I are so saddened to hear of your loss. We had such wonderful and memorable times together. Growing up together with family and yours. We loved Butch very much and pray for you through such saddened times. With all our love, Larry and Carol
Larry and Carol Watkins
January 14, 2021 | Hobart, IN | Friend
Sue and Family, are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will remember all the years I worked with Butch he taught me alot.
Craig and Karla Lindstrom
January 13, 2021 | Valparaiso, IN | Friend
I wish I could be there to comfort the family during this time; however, that is not possible. I just wanted you to know Uncle Butch could always put a smile on anyone's face even though I was scared of him when I was little. You all will be in my prayers during this time.
Danielle Scott
January 13, 2021 | Cullman, AL | Family
Oh sweet Susie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Will always cherish the many memories Bob and I had with you two. Oh my gosh how we all laughed about the “Butt mints” Bob and Butch would joke about. You were the love of his life.
Kathy Couture (Gajewski)
January 12, 2021 | Hobart, IN | Friend
The Spathiphyllum Plant
Marty and Kathy McCarthy
January 12, 2021
Much love and prayers going to Butch’s family! We had many good times at their house! I remember Butch as another father for me when we were playing on the farm!
Mindy Webb
January 12, 2021 | Beecher, IL | Friend
I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Butch Dennis. If it wasn't for Butch's help 10 years ago when we were forming our local VVA Chapter who knows were we would be today. Thank you Butch and RIP brother....I know you were Army but I'll say it any how SEMPER FI
C. David Guzicki
January 12, 2021 | South Bend, IN | Friend
Sue I'm sorry sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. My heart breaks for you dear friend. Sending , love and prayers to you and your family in this difficult time that God will give you all the strength and comfort through him. Amen Brenda(Smith) Heims
Brenda Smith Heims Heims
January 11, 2021 | Lake Station, IN | Friend
I was the inaugural president of VVA 1027 in Mishawaka IN over 10 years ago. Butch was THE integral part in coming in from Portage to South Bend to initiate this veterans group. Because of all his primary work, it is easy to say that, since then, we have helped hundreds of veterans in the South Bend area and beyond. This was due to Butch. RIP brother.
Frank Piontek
January 11, 2021 | South Bend, IN | Military