Dennis Roos

Dennis A. Roos of Saukville was an outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt deer and turkey with both bow and gun.

His passion for the outdoors was something he learned from his father, and he worked to ensure his children and grandchildren also appreciated nature.

“That was important to him,” his wife Kim said. “He loved the outdoors and kept passing that on to the next generation.”

Mr. Roos, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in February, died of the disease Monday, Oct. 22, at his Saukville home. He was 69.

He was born in Port Washington on June 18, 1949, the son of Warren and Geraldine Culver Roos.

He worked as a machinist for a number of local firms, including an 18-year stint with Cramer Coil in Saukville.

On Aug. 19, 2005, he married Kim Laabs at the Ozaukee County Justice Center.

He loved to ride his Harley-Davidson Heritage softtail classic motorcycle, which he bought new in 1988.

“That was his pride and joy,” his wife said. “It still looks brand new. He took very good care of it, and was very, very proud of his motorcycle.”

Mr. Roos enjoyed taking motorcycle outings with his friends, especially Mark Trice, and going on poker runs.

He was close to his family and enjoyed spending time with his cousin Renae Roos, his wife said.

“He was a very loving, kind man,” she said. “He was just a good guy. He would give you the shirt off his back.”

Mr. Roos was a member of the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Roos is survived by his wife Kim of Saukville; former wife Jean Roos of Port Washington; children Marie Van Treeck of West Bend, Geno Balistreri of Random Lake and Cory Laabs of Sauville; grandchildren Dominic, Eric, Sabrina, Vinny, Rosa and Noah; and five great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by his brothers Dave of West Bend and Dale of Saukville and step-siblings Richard (Tammy) of Port Washington, Sherry of Grafton, Maple and Peggy (Daniel).

Mr. Roos was preceded in death by his parents, brother Daniel and stepmother Ellie Mae Roos.

A funeral service for Mr. Roos will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington. The Rev. Marshal Frisque of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fredonia will officiate.

Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

A reception at the Railroad Station in Saukville will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society or St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fredonia are suggested.