Dennis A. Elmer

Dennis A. Elmer, age 75, died on January 5, 2023 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. He was born on September 2, 1947 to Orin and Cerella Elmer and grew up in Oshkosh.

After graduating from Oshkosh High School in 1965 he briefly attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and then enlisted in the US Army in 1969. After basic training at Ft. Knox, KY he was stationed in Bamberg, Germany. He enjoyed his deployment to Germany and used his off duty time to travel throughout Germany and other parts of Europe. After his discharge from the Army, he returned to Oshkosh.

He became the CEO of Johnson Foods, Inc., a wholesale food distributor and manufacturer of potato chips. JFI closed its operation in 1992 and Dennis then started his own food brokerage business which was subsequently purchased by C.A. Fortune Co. of Chicago, IL. Dennis continued his career with C.A. Fortune and ultimately retired in 2012.

Dennis was active in Oshkosh civic life. He was a founding member of the Southwest Rotary Club, a member of the Aviation Advisory Board for EAA, and a member of the Board of Directors for Valley Bank/M&I Bank-Oshkosh, the Paine Art Center, the Oshkosh Country Club, and the Oshkosh Power Boat Club. He was also heavily involved with the Oshkosh Area United Way and led two successful annual fundraising campaigns.

In his personal life, Dennis married Jeanne Baivier in 1978 and they had a daughter, Annie. He was happiest anytime he was with “his girls” and family vacations to Door County and Hawaii held a special place in his heart. Dennis also loved golf. His Sunday morning golf game with his best friends was always the highlight of his week (especially drinks on the 19th hole) – and he had the opportunity to attend a practice round for The Masters, which was an unforgettable experience for him.

Dennis was a loyal and devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. He had the best laugh and sense of humor, he was thoughtful beyond measure, and he wanted nothing more than to make people feel cared for and loved.

Dennis is survived by his wife Jeanne, his daughter Annie, his sister Sherra, and his beloved dogs Gus, Gracie, and Sadie, who was extra special to him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 4-7pm at The Waters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

A memorial has been established to support the Tri-County Dental Clinic and the Taking Root Fund at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.