Dennis L. Smith of Waukesha passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the age of 78. He was born in Black River Falls, WI on November 26, 1938 the son of Burton and Violet (nee Nysted) Smith. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1962 until 1965 where he was the ship’s barber. On November 5, 1966, he married the former Carolyn Hahm. Dennis was a master barber for over 45 years and owned Rogue’s Gallery in Milwaukee. He was also a barber at Rich’s Barber Shop in Waukesha for many years. Dennis enjoyed singing, music, and traveling and he loved playing cards, especially sheepshead, poker and cribbage. Along with his wife, he was a longtime member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, and being “pop pop” to Weston who was the light of his life. Dennis loved a good joke and will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He was the loving husband of Carolyn for 50 years, father of Deanna (Craig) Smith Scotland of Fort Worth, TX and Brandon (Jessica Kapsos) Smith of Milwaukee, “pops” of Glenn Percefield of East Troy, proud grandfather of Tristan Kapsos and Weston Smith and brother of Larry (Gloria) Smith of California and Sharon (Al) Blum of Clintonville. He is further survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Virginia (Robert) Rauguth, Gerald (Sally) Hahn and Kathy (Dennis) Schneider, beloved family friend Janice Edwards along with many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joey Sanders.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 from 4:00PM until the time of the 6:00PM Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2400 W. State Hwy 59, Waukesha, WI 53189. Father Jose Nieto will preside assisted by Deacon Gary Stephani. Private interment with full military honors will be at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dennis’ name are appreciated to St. John Neumann Catholic Church Music Ministry.