Dennis E. Mays Jr.

Dennis E. Mays Jr., 55, passed away at his home in Wisconsin Rapids on November 18, 2023.
Denny was born to Dennis Mays Sr. and Joanne (Higgins) Mays on October 11, 1968, in Chelsea,
Massachusetts. After his father retired from the navy, the family relocated to Wisconsin.
Denny graduated from Black River Falls High school in 1987. Following graduation, Denny enlisted in the
Army and served as an equipment records and parts specialist. After two years of service, Denny
enrolled at University Whitewater. His college career was cut short after only one semester, when he
was called back to serve in the Gulf War.
Denny worked for the State of Wisconsin as a Corrections Officer for many years before working for the
Schwan Food Company and then Charter Communications until his health declined due to an
autoimmune disease.
Denny loved sports and was an avid Packer fan. His love of sports also extended to baseball. Growing up,
Denny collected baseball cards and was a devoted Red Sox fan, which was difficult living in Brewer
territory. Denny loved watching movies and created a collection of his favorites. He loved animals and
rescued many cats over the years. He always said he was a decent cook (his specialty was Ma’s
meatloaf) and he liked sharing recipes with others.
Denny loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. He and his friends were known for playing
practical jokes on each other. He was a sensitive person and was generous with his time when someone
needed to talk about a problem or just needed someone to listen. Denny was always good at
remembering birthdays and special occasions of family and friends.
              
Denny’s greatest gifts in life were his two sons and the lasting bonds with cherished old friends. 
Denny dealt with a debilitating chronic illness for the last several years and his friends have been his
greatest support. His extended family “The Guys” include Chris Kapfer, Tim Camlek, Chris Eddy, Chad
Lowry, Tom Schultz and Jon Severson.
He is predeceased by his beloved mother, Joanne (Higgins) Mays.
Denny is survived by his loving father Dennis and stepmother Joan Black River Falls, WI; sons Joseph and
Jacob Mays of Beaver Dam, WI; sister Denise (Ed) Bartz of Mattawan, MI; stepbrother Larry (Taia Kasch)
Hanson Black River Falls, WI; nephew Samuel Bartz, nieces Katherine Bartz, Joanna Bartz, Allison
Stienhoff (Andrew Eckelderg), Jessica (Conrad) Olson, and Kyra Marshal. Denny is also survived by many
loving friends and family who will miss him dearly.
A celebration of life will be held at Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, on Saturday,
December 2. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with services to begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by military
honors. The family will host a luncheon immediately following the service at Re-Pete’s Saloon and Grill.
Denny will be buried next to his mom in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose, Massachusetts in the summer
of 2024.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Wisconsin Veteran’s Foundation at
wisconsinveteransfoundation.org