Dennis Ray Reed

Dennis R. Reed, 76, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025, with his wife by his side, following a brave seven-month battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer.

Denny was born on August 24, 1949, in Madison, Indiana, a son of the late Chester and Norma (Curry) Reed. He graduated from Madison Consolidated High School in 1967 and furthered his education at North Iowa Area Community College and Indiana State University, where he earned his degree in 1976.

A proud patriot, Denny served his country in both the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard, retiring after 26 years with a rank of First Sergeant.

While attending Indiana State University, Denny met Deborah K. Price, the love of his life. The couple was married on September 23, 1978, in Farmersburg, Indiana. His career in the paper industry brought them to Appleton in 1982. Denny worked at various mills before dedicating 26 years of service to Kimberly-Clark, from which he retired. He was an avid Harley-Davidson rider who also enjoyed sharing his passion for sports with his children, actively coaching and cheering them on. He was a dedicated supporter of the Appleton East sporting community. His involvement began as President of the Patriot Athletic Club, and he went on to serve as an assistant coach for the baseball team for 13 years. Beyond coaching, he contributed by video-recording football games, refereeing volleyball matches and operating the scoreboard for both boys' and girls' basketball games.

In his retirement, Denny cherished his time with family. He was his grandchildren's biggest fan, enjoying countless hours watching them play baseball, volleyball, and softball, and attending figure skating competitions. He and Deb also enjoyed vacationing with their family.

Denny is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Deborah; his children, Randall (Amanda) Reed of Appleton and Darcy (Daniel) Grabski of Plover; and his grandchildren, Darren (18), Evelynn (15), Kinley (14), and Elizabeth "Izzy" (7): his brother, Darrell (Mary Lou) Reed of Madison, IN. His loss will be mourned by his extended family of in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Norma Reed, and his son, Donald Reed, His in-laws, Theodore and Elizabeth (Elrod) Price, and brother-in-law John Price, his niece Michelle (Reed) Bowling, and nephews Keith Price and Kyle Price.

A memorial service will be held at Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, 1592 Oneida Street, Menasha, WI 54952, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 4:00pm. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 2:00pm until the service begins. Military honors will take place at the end of the service.

He will be interred at a later date at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI.