Dennis Joseph Freund

Dennis "Denny" Joseph Freund, 82, Plover, passed away peacefully October 25, 2025, at Wellington Place at Whiting in Stevens Point. A beloved husband, dad, grandpa "Big D", brother, son, and friend, Denny lived a life marked by devotion to his family, service to the community, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality.
Born on January 21,1943 in Neenah, Wisconsin to the late John and Violet (St. Louis) Freund, Denny began his education at St. Margaret Mary's School in Neenah and completed his high school education at PJ Jacobs in Stevens Point. In 1962, Denny enlisted in the United States Air Force, completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. His service took him to Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC, and Ramie Air Force Base in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was honorably discharged in 1966 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Upon returning home from military service, Denny joined his brothers, Doug and Terry, at The Sky Club in Plover, a partnership that would span over three decades. It was there that he met the love of his life, Nancy (Shadick), whom he married on February 27, 1971, at St. Bronislava Catholic Church in Plover. Together, they raised three amazing daughters, Aimee, Leah, and Megan, who worked alongside their dad at The Sky Club, learning from him the value of hard work and integrity. They each fondly remember being made to feel like his "favorite", a testament to Denny's deep and personal love for each of them.
During his 33 years at The Sky Club, Denny not only helped grow the restaurant from a modest 60-seat establishment to one accommodating over 400 guests, but he also became a staple in the community. Denny co-founded and became the first President of the Plover Area Business Association (PABA). In 1968, recognizing the need to support children with disabilities, he organized the first Greater Plover Open golf tournament to benefit the Rosholt Lions Camp. What began as a small event with just 18 golfers grew into a major fundraiser supporting the Stevens Point Child Safety Center, enduring a legacy carried forward by his nephews Eric and Patrick Freund.
Denny's commitment to service extended far beyond business. He was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Plover Lions Club, Elks Lodge, VFW, Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Wisconsin Tavern League also serving on boards for Portage County Bank, Stevens Point Chamber and St. Michael's Hospital Foundation. Denny, alongside his business partners and friends, Dr. John Picconatto and Dr. Tom Wagner, were instrumental in developing the Town Hall Centre for Plover's first family practitioners and Skyward's first commercial office.
After selling his share of The Sky Club to his nephews Eric and Patrick in 1999, Denny continued to share his gift for hospitality at Ebbe's Lake Aire in Wisconsin Rapids, The Belvedere in Marshfield, Tree Acres in Plover, and finally Denny's Little Bar, located in The Holiday Inn, a space which reflected both his name and welcoming spirit.
In 2005, Denny was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Though it presented many challenges, he faced them with courage and resilience, often saying with determination, "I have Parkinson's, but it doesn't have me."
Denny loved life deeply and lived it fully. He had a passion for fishing - whether chasing muskies on Fishtrap Lake with daughter Leah or casting lines in Canada with his best friend John "Pic" Picconatto. He enjoyed baseball games with Megan and tried valiantly to keep up with Aimee's energy. He golfed regularly with friends, competed in racewalking events (often placing among the top three in his age group) and even earned a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Travel was another joy for Denny. He cruised through Alaska and the Caribbean; visited destinations like St. Kitts, Las Vegas, San Diego, Washington D.C., Panama City Beach; wintered in Pharr, Texas; explored Montana; and made cherished memories at Disney World and in Cancun, all often accompanied by family. He treasured every moment spent with those he loved.
Denny is survived by the "ladies in his life": his wife of 54 years, Nancy (Shadick) Freund of Plover; daughters Aimee (Eric) Halverson of Oregon, WI; Leah (Jamie) Wojcik of Wausau; Megan (Matthew) Jacquet of Neenah; granddaughters Hannah and Delainey Halverson; Dylyn and Tyler Wojcik; and Molly Jacquet.
He is also survived by sisters Cindy (Tom) Olsen; Chell Jacobs; Kim (Terry) Tessendorf; brothers Terry (Donna Donato) Freund; Jon (Nancy) Freund; Craig Freund; Kevin (Debbie) Freund; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws; Dani (Don) Jackson; Larry (Jan) Shadick; Paul (Mary) Shadick; Jackie Protheroe; Kaaren Arentsen; along with numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Freund and Violet (St Louis) Freund; brother Doug "Lump Lump" (Judy) Freund; brother-in-law Harvey Jacobs; sister-in-law Marcia Freund; and infant brother John Freund Jr.
Denny's faith was his foundation, bringing him comfort throughout life's journey and radiated warmth to everyone he met. His guiding words, "treat guests like family and family like guests" shaped not only his career, but the way he lived each day. His legacy is one of deep love for family and a life devoted to serving others with kindness, generosity, humor, and grace. May his memory bring peace and comfort to all who knew him
A visitation will take place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 9:00 am to 11:00am at St. Bronislava Catholic Church in Plover, 3200 Plover Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am; with Military Honors rendered at the conclusion of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Wellington Place at Whiting, 1902 Post Road, Stevens Point, WI, 54481, are appreciated. Denny's family would like to thank the entire staff at Wellington for their devotion and kindness for the past six years, particularly Kristin Shaak-Dassow. They were our second family. The family would also like to thank Heartland Hospice and the care staff at Home Instead for their care and support.
Shuda Funeral Chapel- Stevens Point, is assisting the Freund family with arrangements.