Obituaries

Dennis J Van Oss

June 6, 1967 - Dec. 26, 2024 - Stockbridge, WI

Funeral Service

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025

12:00 pm


St. Mary Catholic Church

120 Davis St.

Stockbridge, WI 53088

Funeral Visitation

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025

9:00 am - 11:45 am


St. Mary Catholic Church

120 Davis St.

Stockbridge, WI 53088

Burial Service

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025

1:30 pm


St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Stockbridge

Moore Road

Hilbert, WI 54129

Military Honors

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025

1:00 pm


St. Mary Catholic Church

120 Davis St.

Stockbridge, WI 53088

Dennis J Van Oss

Stockbridge WI

Dennis James Van Oss, age 57, of Stockbridge, died on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at his home in Stockbridge. He was born June 6, 1967 in Chilton, son of thelate Howard and Irene (Groeschel) Van Oss

After his graduation from Stockbridge High School in 1985, Dennis proudly served in the United States Navy from 1987 until 1991. Following his honorable discharge, Dennis enrolled in Fox Valley Technical College, where he earned a degree in Printing and Publishing in 1993. After graduation, he began his career at JJ Keller. In 1994, he left JJ Keller to work at Appleton Papers, where he stayed until his retirement in 2022.  

Dennis met his future wife, Mary Baker, in 1992, and the couple married on July 21, 1995 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1998, Dennis and Mary moved back to Stockbridge, where they raised their children, Ben and Melanie.

Dennis was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stockbridge, the Stockbridge American Legion and the Desert Veterans of Wisconsin. During his working years he was a member of United Steelworkers Local 2-469, and joined the Fox Valley Area Labor Council Retirees Club upon his retirement.

Dennis enjoyed time spent outdoors where he could be hunting, fishing, or sturgeon spearing.  He truly appreciated being around people, sharing good company and many stories.  It wasn’t uncommon for him to make the rounds throughout the area, making sure to stop by his brothers’ homes and close friends to visit and check in.  He loved attending EAA AirVenture and looked forward to participating in their Salute to Veterans parade.  

Dennis had a passion for art and was known to use his skills for drawing and making sturgeon decoys.  He also used his talents to build model rockets which were, most of the time, sent flying high into the sky.  Throughout his life, Dennis lovingly cared for the pets that he had. People enjoyed seeing him bike with his Lab/Golden Retriever mix, Drake. Dennis was a Toyota loyalist who was famous for proving how dependable and long lasting his vehicles were. He was also very keen on collecting hats from wherever his trips and travels would take him and he amassed quite the vast collection over his lifetime.

Survivors include his wife: Mary; his children: Ben Van Oss, Melanie Van Oss; his siblings: Raymond (Betty) Van Oss, Tim (Gerri) Van Oss, Bill (Cheri) Van Oss, Dave Van Oss and his special friend, Marcy Townsend, Eugene (Karen) Van Oss, Ken (Lynn) Van Oss, Dan (Iola) Van Oss, Mark Van Oss, Annie Van Oss and her special friend, Tim Sohrweide, siblings-in-law: Kathy (Dan) Kramer, John (Amanda) Baker; and his mother-in-law: Joan Baker.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: John Van Oss, his father-in-law: Arthur Baker; and a nephew: Lucas Van Oss.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the St. Mary Catholic Church (Military Road) in Stockbridge with Rev. Michael Betley officiating.  Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Stockbridge.  A time of visitation will be held at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Stockbridge on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 9:00 am until 11:45 am.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.  
 

Condolences


Sorry to her about Dennis. Dennis and I had just spoken 3 days prior to him passing. He always like to talk about fishing, spearing and hunting. He came into the store often and would always say, "stoppin in just to say Hi Bill" He will be missed...

Bill Lodi (Friend) 2025-01-11 16:27:07

I was so sorry to hear about Dennis’s passing. Even though we lived far apart, I always thought of him as a younger brother. He had such a great way of connecting with people, always kind and warm, and I feel lucky to have known him. Your family has always been one of the kindest and most welcoming I’ve ever met, and Dennis showed that same kindness to everyone around him. It’s clear from his obituary how much he loved his family, his faith, and spending time outdoors doing the things he enjoyed most. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this tough time. I hope you can find comfort in being together and remembering all the good times with Dennis. Please know that even though I can’t be there, I’m thinking of you all and sending my love. With sympathy, Petru Bacalu and family

Petru Bacalu (friend) 2025-01-11 09:08:10

I was so sorry to hear about Dennis’s passing. Even though we lived far apart, I always thought of him as a younger brother. He had such a great way of connecting with people, always kind and warm, and I feel lucky to have known him. Your family has always been one of the kindest and most welcoming I’ve ever met, and Dennis showed that same kindness to everyone around him. It’s clear from his obituary how much he loved his family, his faith, and spending time outdoors doing the things he enjoyed most. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this tough time. I hope you can find comfort in being together and remembering all the good times with Dennis. Please know that even though I can’t be there, I’m thinking of you all and sending my love. With sympathy, Petru Bacalu

Petru Bacalu (friend) 2025-01-11 08:59:19

Deepest sympathy to the family. Taken too soon. Sending prayers!

Connie Loewe (Friend) 2025-01-08 17:39:28

May you find comfort and joy in your fond memories.

Dawn Jenny (Ben's Co-worker) 2025-01-08 12:53:19

I am very sorry to hear of Dennis's passing. Dennis was one of my favorite students at Stockbridge High School. After high school, I took Dennis trout fishing, which he really enjoyed a lot. Kit Deubler

Kit Deubler (Teacher) 2025-01-07 08:42:42

Sorry to hear of your loved one, Dennis passing. May God grant you peace in this difficult time enjoy the great memories.

Ken and Sherrie Schaefer (Neighbors back in the days...) 2025-01-03 09:50:56

Betty--so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother-in law. Betty we worked many years together at Chilton Products. My deepest sympathy to you and the family

karen swonger (friend) 2025-01-02 09:49:16

our thoughts and prayers are with Dennis's family and friends.

Michael & Linda Thiel (Cousin) 2025-01-02 08:42:58

I pray for peace for the family and friends of Dennis during this difficult time. I pray we find happiness in knowing that Dennis lives on through his children and all the memories of him we cherish. I pray we find comfort in knowing we will reunite with him when our earthy work is also finished.

John Heeter (Friend) 2025-01-02 08:18:27

We were so sad to hear about the loss of your brother while visiting with you and Iola on Dec 26th. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Rich &Rita Mascolino

Richard Mascolino (Friend) 2025-01-01 09:51:46

So very sorry for the passing of Dennis, my Sympathies to the Family.

connie lisowe (friend) 2025-01-01 08:45:14

Dennis played baseball for me during his high school years. He always played hard. He was a pleasure to have in class also. Rest in peace

Thomas Hanke (former teacher and coach) 2025-01-01 07:54:53

Deepest condolences to the entire VanOss family. As I have always felt to be part of their family and they are great friends. I pray that you’all find comfort and understanding in this difficult time. Denny will be missed rest in peace, brother!

Todd Rohloff (Friend ) 2024-12-29 22:28:37

My deepest sympathy to Mary and the entire VanOss family. He was such a great story teller and an awesome person to work with, he made the days fun. Thoughts and prayers with all of you.

Stacy Sachs (Friend/Co Worker ) 2024-12-28 15:23:03

Condolences to the family, Dennis will be missed.

Mark Natzke (Friend) 2024-12-28 14:20:47

I as so very sorry to hear about the loss of Dennis. At this moment there are no words to help ease the pain of your loss. Some day soon I hope your memories will bring a smile to your face. Not tears. God be with you today and always. My sympathies

Jean Gallagher (Classmate ) 2024-12-28 10:11:26

Dennis will be missed by aall.He touched many lives. May he rest in peace and his family find understanding. My deepest condolences

Duane Van Toll (Friend) 2024-12-27 19:08:07

Sending my sympathy for your loss. Wishing you peace, comfort, and many great memories to keep with you.

Judy Woelfel (New Holstein) 2024-12-27 17:49:22

I was so sad to hear about Dennis 's passing. My condolences to the family. He was such a good guy. He surely will be missed.

Kathy Kuhn (Acquaintance/ friend) 2024-12-27 15:22:34

Going to miss him , good talking with him at our Legion meetings !

Gary Bodinger (Friend, (one of many!!)) 2024-12-27 15:02:36

Condolences to the family, may God be with you all and give you peace and understanding in this difficult time: hugs to all

Connie Respicio (Friend ) 2024-12-27 14:59:31

Dennis has been a great member of the Stockbridge American Legion. We miss him already.......

Darel Schoening (Commander, American legion) 2024-12-27 12:53:36


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