Charles "Charlie" Denis

Charles Robert Denis passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on August 7, 2026. He was born in De Pere in 1930 to Lewis and Johanna Denis. He graduated from De Pere High School in 1949. In 1950 he married the love of his life, Patricia A. Hockers. Together they were blessed with five children: Gary (Susan) Denis, Joseph (Bonnie) Denis, Mary (Paul) Doskey, Paula (Gregory) Hafeman, and Martha Saunders.

Charles was employed at Fort Howard Paper Company for 43 years, retiring in 1992. He was active in Scouting, serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 38, St. Mary’s, and as Advisor for Explorer Post 12, De Pere Sportsman Club. He was a lifelong member of St Mary’s Parish in De Pere, and a member of the Holy Name Society; a Life Member of the De Pere Sportsman Club and a member of the YMCA.

In addition to his children, he is survived by 11 grandchildren: Sarah (Mark) Nelson, Charles H. (Megan) Denis, Beth (Justin) Olivares, Debra (Daniel) Nielson, Adam (Shannon Godlove) Doskey, Anna Doskey, Claire (Robert Rollenhagen) Doskey, Luke (Emily) Doskey, Molly (Ryan) Carriveau, Jeremy (Tracy) Hafeman, and Elizabeth (Tony)Saunders-Gassen; and 14 great grandchildren: Sydney, Lilly & Griffin Nelson, Sophie Hafeman, Elliot & Alec Carriveau, Jerome & Miles Hafeman, Owen & Haylie Nielson, Ayla Olivares, Theodore & Arthur Rollenhagen, Magdalena Doskey. He is also survived by sisters in law: Nancy Denis, Janet Stengel, Rita Giese, and Kathie Norgaard, and by many nieces and nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Johanna Denis; his father and mother in law, Ray and Martha Hockers; son in law, Byron Saunders; brothers: Leland (Eunice) Denis, Richard (Patricia) Denis and Roger Denis; brother in law; John (Irene) Hockers, Arthur Norgaard, and John Stengel; sister in law, Donna Mae (Frank) Carter.

Family and friends may gather on Thursday, August 20 at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 4805 Sportsman Dr., Ledgeview from 9:30 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am, Fr. Mike Ingold officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to mass intentions for Charles.

Charles’ family expresses their deep appreciation for the care and kindness provided to Charles by the staff at Unity Hospice and Courtyard at Bellevue Memory Care and Assisted living.