Dennis DeMark

LIFESTORY:

One hundred percent Italian and proud of it, Dennis DeMark's kind and ever ready smile was a welcome sight to all who came to know and love him. A man of many talents, his adventurous spirit allowed him to live life completely and fully surrounded by those he loved, the things he loved, and everything that brought him joy. Dearly missed, he will be long remembered in the hearts of many.

The year 1941 played a significant role in the history of America. Hope and optimism was on the horizon following years of struggle during the Great Depression. Movie greats and music was talk of the town while drive-in theaters and fast food restaurants gained popularity. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor was a day that forever changed the landscape of our nation. The U.S. officially joined forces with allies during World War II with determination and a spirit which refused to be crushed. Earlier that year, Louis and Carmella M. (Wells) DeMark of Racine, Wisconsin celebrated the New Year with that very hope when they welcomed birth of their son, Dennis Guy, born on January 11.

With a strong Italian heritage, Dennis was raised alongside his little sister, Georgene in a home where family meant everything. Food was a mainstay for any occasion, but he especially loved his mother's Easter pizza, a family favorite. Devout in their Catholic faith, honor, respect and a good work ethic were all qualities instilled into young Dennis from an early age which served him well in life. As a young boy he played the accordion to the delight of his parents and shared memorable adventures with neighborhood friends. He attended the area Catholic school and went on to graduate from St. Catherine’s High School with the Class of 1959.

In the mid-fifties, Dennis worked at Miller's Flower Shop and soon ventured into the restaurant business while in high school. He first worked at the Racine Country Club as a second cook before acquiring the position of Chef at Meadowbrook Country Club. He later attended barber school and worked in his cousin’s shop for a time before eventually opening his own barber shop, DeMarks Forum on Douglas Avenue. As busy as Dennis was, it didn't stop him from exploring his love for cooking. All while tending to his barber business and customers, he also taught cooking classes at a local vocational school. In 1970, however, Dennis returned to his true passion full-time when he opened Alfredo’s Supper Club, remaing ther until 1987. Since that time, he owned and operated, the Oh, Dennis! Saloon and Charcoal House which provided the Racine area with the best ribs ANYWHERE!

As Dennis embarked on his thriving career ventures, he also met a woman with whom he would share a beloved friendship. JoAnn (Hess) Hermes came to be the love of Dennis' life and together they shared a life of love and adventure. On New Years Eve, December 31, 1989, Dennis and JoAnn were united in marriage in the, "We've Only Just Begun Wedding Chapel" in none other than Las Vegas, Nevada, one of Dennis' favorite places. Ironically, JoAnn, like Dennis, was a talented accordion player as a youngster, too. He loved her way in the kitchen, especially her homemade lasagna.

In his spare time, Dennis filled the hours doing the things he loved. He enjoyed playing golf and often watched it on television. An avid Green Bay Packer fan, he absolutely loved anything to do with the Packers and even held season tickets for over 40 years. Loyal and hearty as any Packers fan, Dennis attended the Ice Bowl only to find the town closed down and insisted on returning home to Racine even if it meant slipping and sliding all the way back!

Dennis and JoAnn shared great times together. They both loved trips to Disney World in Florida. Dennis always looked forward to relaxing and hanging out at the pool and watching ESPN. They loved taking in the theme parks where he and JoAnn could ride the Tower of Terror at least a dozen times or more!. A collector of antique firearms, he also had good times with fireworks, particularly roman candles. In his quiet moments, Dennis could be found fulfilling his love for reading, usually with the latest Kindle.

A talented man in many respects, Dennis was a master barber, teacher, and restaurateur. With his outgoing nature and welcome smile, he had the natural ability to attract others to his side as he befriended many with his genuine and kind ways. Thoughtful and generous, anyone who made his acquaintance would agree that above all, Dennis loved his family and had a great work ethic. He valued socializing with customers and friends, and treasured time spent in the company of the family he cherished. A loving husband, dedicated father, and devoted grandfather, he was a caring big brother and wonderful uncle. With oodles of great friends, he will indeed be deeply missed and remembered fondly. Salute'!

At the age of 71, Dennis G. DeMark passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, January 21, 2012. He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn; son, Michael DeMark; daughters, Beth (Todd) Mitchell, Jody (Jerry) Tarwid; granddaughter, Jessica Burch; sister, Georgene (David) Edmonston; sisters-in-law, Judie Oberst (Lorenzo Sanchez), Patti (Edwin) Jirgensen; nephews, Kevin (Terri) Edmonston, Kenneth (Heather) Edmonston, Keith Edmonston; great nephew and nieces, Dominic, Madalyn, Hailey Edmonston; other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Nick and Theresa DeMark.

Funeral services for Dennis will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012, 3:00 PM at the Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main Street, Racine 53403 with Deacon Russell Missureli officiating. Private interment will be held. Relatives and friends may meet with his family Saturday at the funeral home from 12:00 PM until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials to H.O.P.E. Safehouse or the Mayo Clinic, Department of Research, Department of Cardiology, 200 First Avenue, Rochester, Minnesota 55905. Very special thanks to the Caledonia Rescue Department and the two angelic nurses who assisted Dennis. Please visit www.meredithfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Dennis and to sign his online guest book.

BUMPS SALUTE' PEACE