Dennis Allen Bearns, a lifelong resident of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born in Sheboygan in 1938 to Christ Bearns and Emily (Pfister)(Bearns) Leonhard, Dennis attended local schools and graduated from Sheboygan North High School with the Class of 1956. Following his education, Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Tarawa.
Dennis worked at Eclipse Manufacturing for 35 years as a die repairman in the tool room until his retirement. Dennis was a true sports and outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed nature, spending countless hours hunting and fishing. He also had a passion for playing softball and skiing, activities he enjoyed immensely through which lifelong friendships were formed. Later in life, he developed a deep passion for golf. It became such a central part of his life that he went on to work part-time at Whistling Straits after his retirement, a position that allowed him to play and enjoy all the local world-class Kohler golf courses. Dennis and his beloved wife, Nancy, shared this love for the game together. They were such familiar, frequent faces on the fairways and around the club that they were affectionately known to many as the “Riverbend Couple.” For many years, Dennis was a Charter Member of the Sheboygan H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Chapter.
Dennis was a devoted and faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, where he took pride in serving his congregation as both an elder and an usher. Dennis built a life centered entirely around faith, family and community.
In addition to his parents and in-laws he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Michelle; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia (Ervin Tenpas) and Betty (Donald Keller); brother-in-law Richard E. Sherman and a niece Wendy Shanholtz.
Dennis’s memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife, Nancy, of 61 years. He is also survived by his niece, Traci Hermann, who moved in with the family to help care for Dennis and remains a devoted companion to her Aunt Nancy. He leaves behind a legacy of love among his nieces and nephews, each of whom held a unique and special place in his heart, along with the loving family members and family friend, Sandy Fischer, who were a constant, comforting part of his life during his final days. He is also survived by many wonderful neighbors and dear friends.
A Memorial Service for Dennis will take place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1121 Georgia Ave. in Sheboygan with Pastor Niles officiating. Family will greet visitors on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Dennis will be laid to rest at Wildwood Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, or Comfort Keepers in Dennis’s honor.
The family extends a special expression of gratitude to the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, especially his primary caregivers Lisa and Annette, and to Comfort Keepers, with a heartfelt thank you to his caretaker, Dawn Mohr, for the loving care and compassion provided to Dennis.
Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center is caring for both Dennis and his family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.ballhornchapels.com
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