Dennis Gaedtke

Mr. Dennis Gaedtke of Fredonia passed away early Thursday morning, Jan. 9, 2025, at Kathy Hospice in West Bend. He was 77 years old.

  Dennis was born in Milwaukee on July 1, 1947, the son of Jerald and Hazel Kiepert Gaedtke.

He attended local schools and graduated from Rufus King High School, Class of 1964.

Following school, Dennis proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.

  On Nov.14, 1980, Dennis was united in marriage with Joanie Cwiklinski in Milwaukee. The couple later moved to Fredonia.

Mr. Gaedtke was employed as a plant operator with We Energies at the Port Washington power plant for 32 years.

  Dennis was an avid gardener and loved spending time outside. He enjoyed reading, the music of Rod Stewart, sports cars (especially Corvettes!) and spending time in warm places such as Florida. Always one to “class the place up,” Dennis was known as a sharp dresser, and his wicked sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Joanie; their son Dustin (almost fiancee Danielle Keene) of Austin, Texas; and sisters Joanne (the late Robert) Morgan of South Milwaukee and Susie (Jerry) Cataldo of Sturgeon Bay.

Dennis is further survived by his mother-in-law Lucy Cwiklinski, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving son Joshua, parents Jerald and Hazel, sisters Nancy (the late Tom) Brown and Geraldine (the late Dick) Losik, brother Harlan and father-in-law Eddie Cwiklinski.

  A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg. Pastor Marshall Frisque will preside. The family will greet guests at the funeral home on Sunday, Jan. 19, from 1 p.m. until the services begin at 2 p.m. A lunch reception will be served following the service.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association of America are greatly appreciated.

Eernisse Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.