Michael “Pikes” R. Denis, 79, Oneida resident, passed away Friday, January 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born November 12, 1943, in Green Bay, to the late Richard and Marie (Adams) Denis. Mike was a graduate of Premontre High School and joined the US Marines in 1964 serving until his honorable discharge from the reserves in 1978. Mike continued his education at UW Oshkosh until he met Mary Jo. He married the former Mary Jo Bennett on January 20, 1968, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Stevens Point, celebrating 55 years of marriage this past month. He joined the Steamfitters and Plumbers Local 298 (now Local 400) where he worked until his retirement in 2000 at the age of 56.
Mike took great pride in his home. If you were looking for Mike when you stopped, you could probably find him among the many vegetables growing or the numerous flower gardens he cared for. He had a daily routine keeping his home in “showroom” condition. Mike enjoyed morning workouts and daily walks. He enjoyed time spent in the woods, especially deer hunting with family and friends at the cabin in the UP. Mike always enjoyed a round of golf and looked forward to the annual Canadian fishing trips with the gang. He and Mary Jo spent almost 30 years of winters at their home in Belize. He looked forward to visits with his children and grandchildren while there, making memories of a lifetime.
He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Jo and their three children: Patrick (Maria) Denis; Nicole (Brian) Sinkler, all of Green Bay; Susan (Peter) Lizotte, Los Angeles, CA; eight grandchildren: Taylor, Patrick, Lily, Bennett, Lily, Kate, Jack and Megan; his great granddaughter, Mia; brother, Joseph (Teri) Denis, Barrington, IL and sister, Denise Guillaume, De Pere; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Monica (Caylor) Denis; brother, John Caylor and sister, Mary (Donald) Schmeisser.
Friends may call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., Howard, from 9:00-11:15 am on Saturday, February 11. Memorial Mass 11:30 am Saturday at the church with Rev. Jim Lucas officiating. Online condolences may be sent to the Denis family at www.prokowall.com. In lieu of floral expressions a memorial fund has been established in his name.
Mike’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of Unity Hospice as well as the Bellin Cancer Center.