Dennis James Dricken

Dennis J. Dricken, age 91, was called home to be with the Lord on July 24, 2025. Dennis was born on June 23, 1934, in West Bend to Steve W. and Leona Dricken (nee Fellenz).

Dennis graduated from West Bend High School. After serving two years in the US Army, he began his career as the first “apprentice” at the West Bend Company. Dennis was always learning, fixing, inventing, and building something.

On May 9, 1959, he was united in marriage to Joan E. Dyken at Trinity Lutheran Church in West Bend.

Through the knowledge he gained at the West Bend Company, and with the support of family, friends, Dennis and Joan were able to build their cottage on the lake in Laona, Wisconsin. It became a place to celebrate with family, friends, and his fishing crew.

When not in Laona, he enjoyed ice fishing, tennis, and downhill ski trips with family and friends. With an early retirement, Dennis and Joan spent many vacations traveling with friends. Dennis was a matter-of-fact man who stayed positive with a dry sense of humor. He was deeply committed to his family, church, and faith, who loved and cherished his wife, and was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dennis enjoyed life, never giving up, while navigating all of life’s challenges.

Dennis is survived by his son, Jay Dricken; and daughter, Jody (Mike) Dricken-Kappler. He is further survived by his sister, Joyce (the late Don) Kircher; six grandchildren, Abbie (Tom) Hall, Maddie Wills, Chloe Wills, Anna Dricken, Morgan Kappler, and Clayton Kappler; three great-grandchildren, Mason, Maddox, and Jaxson Hall; and son-in-law, Richard Wills.

Preceded in death by his sister, Lila (Tony) Cacozza; daughter, Julie E. Wills; and his wife of 60 years, Joan E. Dricken.

Dennis’ family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 140 N 7th Avenue, West Bend, WI 53095.A memorial service in remembrance of Dennis will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Church with Pastor David Schoob presiding. A reception will follow the service with a meal served around 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church in West Bend preferred.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mooney and the Kraemer Cancer Center for many years of caring for Dennis, to Horizon Home Care and Hospice (Tammy, Taren, Kelly, and support staff), as well as the special nurses and staff at Horizon Lawlis Family Hospice that made Dennis’ journey comfortable and painless.

Many thanks to Pastors Dave and Cristi Schoob, Trinity Lutheran Church for their spiritual care and comfort, and to all of his close family and friends (including Bill and Joel for the home delivered fish frys).

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Dennis’ arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.