Dennis B. O'Malley

Dennis B. O’Malley, 76, of Fond du Lac, died Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Harbor Haven with family by his side. He was born in Milwaukee on June 9, 1949, to John and Goldi “Leona” (Bakken) O’Malley. On July 25, 1970, Dennis married Karen Peters in Green Bay.

Dennis proudly served in the United States Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam, where he no doubt kept his fellow airmen entertained with his quick wit and good Irish cheer. After his service, he spent many years at Mercury Marine as a Machine Maintenance Mechanic, ran his own business—Industrial Machinery Maintenance—and was a teacher at Moraine Park Technical College.

Throughout his life he was an active member of the Eagles Club, VFW, Milwaukee Irish Club, Fishing Club, Harley Davidson Motorcycle Club and the Corvette Club. In retirement, he volunteered at a nursing home; where he would grill fresh fish for the residents and take them on outings.

He had a gift for finding joy in life’s simple pleasures: a good meal at a supper club, a day out fishing, a trip to somewhere new in the world, or a laugh shared with family and friends. He had a giving heart, always lending a hand to those in need, whether they were lifelong friends or complete strangers. Dennis and Karen’s time in Las Vegas while he was in the Air Force was filled with adventures—including winning a dance contest at the local club, proving that Irishmen don’t just have the gift of the gab, but the gift of the jig as well.

Dennis was happiest surrounded by people, whether he was telling a story that grew funnier (and maybe taller) with each telling, or lifting someone’s spirits with a well-timed joke. The family is deeply grateful to the compassionate staff at Harbor Haven Nursing Home, who not only cared for him but also laughed along with his endless supply of humor—because if there’s one thing Dennis taught us, it’s that a good laugh is as important as a good pint.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; four children, Jennifer (Elizabeth) O’Malley, Trisha (Todd) Wilcox, Jessica (Jason) Drout, and Bradley (Erin); six grandchildren, Taylor and Evan, MaKenzie and Bentley, and Elijah and Keegan (Ciara); and two brothers, Jack (Sherry), and Tim (Bonnie). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Casey “Sis” (Tom) Carter; and two brothers, Robert and Thomas.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, August 15, 2025, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM with the rendering of Military Funeral Honors to follow. Prior to the service, friends and family will be given the opportunity to share stories about Dennis beginning at 6:15 PM. Cremation has taken place.

“Cheers to the best of the best.”

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com