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DENNIS WAYNE WILEY

DENNIS WILEY Obituary

DENNIS WAYNE WILEY, 61, of Queen Creek, Ariz., died on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, in Mesa, Ariz. Born Jan. 19, 1950, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Charles Edward Wiley (died on Oct. 6, 1997) and Earnestine Brockhouse Wiley (died on Jan. 13, 2001). He was a 1968 graduate of North Side High School, Fort Wayne. He married Judy Wright on Feb. 27, 1968, in Fort Wayne. They moved to California where Dennis served in the United States Navy, active and reserve for six years. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Hector repair ship from August of 1969 to April of 1971. He worked as a field engineer/specialist - Health Imaging at Eastman Kodak, Whittier, Calif. for 30 years. For the past four years, he was a resident of Queen Creek, Ariz. Surviving are his son, Dennis James Wiley of Anaheim Hills, Calif.; four granddaughters; three sisters, Linda Turnipseed of Rochester, Ind., Karen McCoy of Fort Wayne and Laurie Gerber of North Pole, Alaska; two recently found half sisters, Lois Ann Wiley Hall of Whiteland, Ind. and Faye Wiley Johnston of Berrien Springs, Mich.; three uncles, Harold, John and Virgil Brockhouse, all of Fort Wayne. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Tamara Leigh Wiley on May 19, 2004 (in Corona, Calif.); and half brother, Charles Raymond Wiley in March of 1982 (in Evansville, Ind.). Funeral arrangements pending til further notice.

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Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Sep. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for DENNIS WILEY

18 Entries

Sue Carlton

September 18, 2023

Dennis, you are missed, but never forgotten! You made an eternal mark on my life. Your strength, courage and zest for life were inspiring to me. I look forward to seeing you again.

karen McCoy

October 5, 2011

"What you leave behind is what is woven into the lives of others"
From a young age Denny would become woven into a person's life even on the first meeting. It wouldn't take but minutes for him to break the ice with his laughter, political views, knowledge of a multitude of interest, his generosity or his hard work. If these things failed to work, he resorted to "mans best friend" (aka..."Little S***") to steal the show.
He touched our hearts even more as he faced adversity like no one else we have met. He didn't transform into being a selfish individual with a "poor me,why me" mentality but instead kept the traits that we all had come to love. Everyone he knew had hope in their heart as they helplessly watched him progress, with determination, thru not only the spinal cord disability but then strickened again with cancer.
Though he is no longer in his earthly body to call upon as we choose, his presence will be felt for years by what he had "woven into the lives of others". Whether he touched us with one or a variety of his gifts we are all fortunate for having him be a part of our lives, albeit for a short time. Thru us, and our memories, he will live on!

Dennis Wayne Wiley, my "favorite big brother"
Karen McCoy

Karen and Denny/ Grand Canyon 2005

Karen McCoy

October 2, 2011

Sue Carlton

September 26, 2011

I met Dennis after I had recently moved next door to each other in Queen Creek AZ. He came over one night with his dog, LS, to introduce himself to me. He quickly became a close friend. I could always count on Dennis to give me the "proper" tool for any job I'm doing at the house. If I came home late from work and it was dark, I could count on Dennis taking his large flashlight and shining it on me as I fed my horses at 10pm! He kept an eye on me!! :)
Or, watching him come home, not even parking yet and go after the pigeons on his roof with his pellet gun! I looked out one day, from his mailbox, he had his gun pointed at my roof :)!
He was a character. I'll miss not seeng him and being able to pick up the phone and talk to him. I'm sure he's in a better place in Heaven where he's not suffering. I look forward to when I see his grinning face again. It all goes by so fast so it won't be long.. Much love, Sue Carlton

KATHY & BOB STRUCK

September 24, 2011

DEAREST DENNIS AND FAMILY,
WHERE DOES ONE BEGIN TO SAY GOODBYE TO SOMEONE THAT WAS SUCH A GOOD FRIEND.
WE HAVE HAD SO MANY LAUGHS THROUGH THE YEARS, NOT TO MENTON THE JOKES WE TRIED TO PULL ON EACH OTHER AND THE NEIGHBORS.. YOU WERE SO FUSSY ABOUT YOUR LAWN AND I REMEMBER WHEN WE AND THE TILLEY'S PLOTTED TO SPRAY PAINT IT BROWN"!!! AND THEN WHEN YOU GOT ALL EXCITED, WE WOULD TURN IT GREEN AGAIN!!! THEN THERE WERE THE NEIGHBORS BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, ALL BLUE, UNTIL OF COURSE WE KEPT CHANGING AT LEAST ONE TO RED!! GOOD THING KAY AND RICK MCCRAY HAD A SENSE OF HUMOR... (I THINK) AND LET US NOT FORGET YOUR WONDERFUL WALL CLIMBING DOG "L-U-C-K-Y!!" HE MADE US MUTUAL GRANDPARENTS WHEN HE JUMPED OUR WALL AND INTRODUCED HIMSELF TO OUR DOG LADY.. WILL WE EVER FORGET WHAT YOUR "HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE" REP FROM TRAVELERS SAID TO US BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T WANT TO PAY THE VET BILL??? "WHAT DID YOUR DOG LADY DO TO ENTICE MR WILEY'S DOG???" I WILL NEVER FORGET THE EXPRESSION ON YOUR FACE AND BOB'S FACE!! PRICELESS!! (I WONDER WHERE SHE'S WORKING NOW???)
WELL, AS YOU ALL CAN TELL, DENNIS WAS A REAL TRIP TO BE AROUND AND GOD KNOWS THAT "OAKDALE STREET" HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME..
SO, OUR GOOD FRIEND, R.I.P. AND BE SURE TO GIVE MY BOB A HUG FROM ALL OF US.. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY AND I'M GLAD TO SAY WE KNEW YOU....

September 22, 2011

Karen,

I sent an email to your yahoo email, which was provided in the header in the email from the guestbook. I don't have any memory of Dennis breaking his arm. He was assigned to his own department before me. I was temporary assigned duty to the master at arms office for a long time, unlike most who just kind of passed thru and got their "regular job".

Dennis

Patty Wessell(Struck)

September 19, 2011

When our family moved to Corona it wasn't to long before we started to meet the people we called "our neighbors". For so many years regardless if someone moved away these "neighbors" remained friends. Dennis was one of a kind. Just hearing his name brought on a smile. It's hard to believe he has been a part of our lives for over 30 years. I was the first babysitter for Tammy and Jim (Jimmy), before my sister took over a year or so later. I don't think there would have been as many jokes and laughs or memories if Dennis and his family didn't live across the street from us. I know my Dad was there to meet Dennis at those pearly gates, if only to convince God that Dennis would be a great addition to heaven. R.I.P. dear sweet Dennis you will not be forgotten and will be missed very much. Just remember the grass is alway green wherever Dennis may be.

Brian Bouck

September 17, 2011

I met Dennis 5/11/2009. I was his physical therapist, but I am his friend and always will be. The first day I met Dennis he said his goal was to walk. We worked together 3 x week for 1-2 hours a week for 3 years and Dennis became more than a patient, but he was a friend and mentor. Dennis had a zest for life and a no quitter mentality. We talked about his family, Kodak, motorcycles (goldwing), things he was doing around his house, the Navy, his family, his life, and his future aspirations. Dennis wouldn't let anything get him down or stop his independence.

One day Dennis came in the clinic and said guess what? I have a half sister! He was shocked, but interested in finding family. If you knew Dennis you would soon become family to him.

Dennis never backed down or away from his political views and opinions. He would sway people in the clinic with his conversation on the day's topic!

I remember going to his house for lunch or hanging out and spending hours trying to shoot the gopher in his backyard or trying to figure out how to make something that would help him at home with his independence. We were always optimistic about new treatments for spinal cord injuries. Never did I imagine that Cancer would destroy my friend in such a cold and quick manner. He fought through his 37 treatments of Chemo and radiation and was still eating despite his feeding tube (that's Dennis, fighting for even the littlest thing).

I'm upset and sad that Dennis had to go, but I know he is in a better place (appparently they do accept people from Indiana, even though he doubted that).

I have lost a frieng and mentor, but I know he is riding his Goldwing once again in the skies above and nothing will stop him now!! Brian Bouck (Queen Creek Arizona)

Dennis Stahl

September 17, 2011

Dennis and I arrived on the USS Hector (AR-7) within days of each other in Subic Bay, PI & went on liberty together in those early days aboard. He stopped by our ship's reunion in Albuquerque 2004 to say howdy to me after more than 30 years.

Barbara Ash

September 16, 2011

I was so sad to hear of you passing, I know life had treated you unkindly for the past few years but you were a fighter. But something took you that you couldn't fight anymore and now you are at peace and with Tammy. Every time I look at that gas station on the corner of Pomona/Lincoln I will think of you. All of us from the neighborhood will miss you!

Denny & Me

Laurie Gerber

September 14, 2011

Denny and me taken by our Dad Nov. 3, 1952.( My favorite photo.) We were best friends when we were growing up. Then he found GIRLS! I kept him in line the best I could. Dennis will be missed by all that knew him.
Love, and rest in peace! Laurie

MARILOU CALABIA

September 12, 2011

MY BEST FRIEND I MISS YOU....THANK YOU FOR WONDERFUL TIME...LOVE YOU...MARILOU CALABIA AZ

az8/29/201

Linda turnipseed

September 12, 2011

I Thank everyone for there entries Denny an I got to see eachother in az before all this. it was great to see him! He was my big brother and will ALWAY LOOK UP TO HIM and love him dearly

Dawn Young

September 11, 2011

Even though I didn't see my uncle Denny often I have wonderful memories of him from when I was a kid. I hope he is resting peacefully. I know I will see him again someday. Love you Denny!

Roberta Parrish

September 11, 2011

My dear friend I am saddened to hear of your passing. I will miss you. I will miss honking at you while turning the corner on Skyline. Your a great man with such a positive attitude. So long til we meet again. Berta

susan gomez-luz

September 11, 2011

09/07/11, 2:33 AM. Dennis Wayne Wiley. So long my dear bro.and best friend.Thank you for bringing out the best for my sister Marilou till the end. I will never say good-bye, but good night our dear bro. in Christ,and will see you when the morning comes..........Shalom. - susan gomez luz (Phx.Az)

Mike Hanauer

September 11, 2011

My sympathies and condolences to all Dennis' family (especially those recently found) and his many friends. I graduated from North Side with Denny. We always looked for each other at our class reunions. In fact, we joined others at one of the local " watering holes" to extend our commraderie after the last two re - unions. I too am a Navy veteran ( 1968-1974). Dennis was truly a good man who will be sorely missed.

Rosalie (Erwin) Parks

September 10, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the family. I haven't seen Dennis since our reunion NSHS 1998, when we "bickered" on who traveled more miles from Calif. I live in Northern Calif, Sonoma, Co. I WON! But we have been emailing since then and I thank him for his service to our country and may he rest in peace. God Bless Rosalie (Erwin) Parks

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