Dennis Robert Latus was born on October 10, 1946 to Gilbert and Shirley Latus in Milwaukee, WI, the second of four children, following Sharon and preceding Dale and Gary. Dennis attended Dover Elementary school where baseball and getting into mischief with his brothers and friends were some of his favorite past-times. As a life-long Braves/Brewers fan, one of his fondest memories as a child was when the Milwaukee Braves won the 1957 World Series on his eleventh birthday. In 1965, Dennis graduated with honors from Bay View High School (BVHS). In addition to being an excellent student, Dennis was voted Captain of the football team, he was a member of the wrestling, basketball, and swim teams, he managed BVHS's Building Control department, participated in Student Government and was elected to the Homecoming Court. He was also the recipient of the 1965 Ted Jarzyna Honor Award and a member of the Senior Class Commission. In addition, Bay View High School was where Dennis and Joan, his wife of 51 ½ years, met and started dating. After graduating, Dennis completed his studies at MATC and his apprenticeship at Caterpillar Tractor to become a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker. Caterpillar immediately hired him on after his apprenticeship, and while an employee, Dennis became involved with his labor union, eventually becoming the president of his local union. Due to his abilities in labor relations, Dennis was offered a position as an International Union Representative with the AIW-AFL-CIO. Dennis' career of 30+ years as a Union Rep was very successful. He represented numerous large and small manufacturing companies across WI to ensure fair wages, benefits, labor practices and workplace safety. Dennis was particularly proud of the fact that during his career of negotiating union contracts, he never accepted a cut in pay or benefits from management. His ability to negotiate and defend the labor rights of his locals was unparalleled. Dennis was not only a successful employee, he was also a devoted husband and father. On October 11, 1969, Dennis married Joan Odwazny, his high school sweetheart. Joan was often by Dennis' side at conferences and conventions. In fact, they even picketed together in front of the Whitehouse in Washington, D.C. Not long after their wedding, Dennis and Joan bought their first home in Milwaukee, close to both of their jobs. During this time, their first child, Deenna, was born in 1974. Shortly after moving to Franklin, WI, in 1976, their second daughter Holly was born. Their third child, Justin was born in 1982. In addition to their human children, Dennis and Joan also had a number of loving dogs during their life together. Jacque, Elkie, Buffy, Angus and Ivan were often spoiled with snacks due to Dennis' propensity for eating in his chair in front of the television and "accidentally" dropping treats on the floor. Dennis was always a very involved father. He spent as much time as he could with his family, and he and Joan worked hard to give their children opportunities to participate in clubs and sports, attend special entertainment and sporting events, have a pool in their own yard, and take annual family trips, in addition to summer weekends camping at Jellystone Park. Dennis' children recall fondly that they were often the only children who had both parents attend all of their school performances, concerts, and games. In addition, Dennis volunteered to help build new elementary school playground equipment, coached Justin's t-ball and baseball teams for many years, chaperoned field trips, school dances, and school trips, and was even the only father to assist at a Girl Scout camping weekend! As his children got older, Dennis attended college parent weekend events and helped moved his kids in and out of more dorms, sorority and fraternity houses, apartments, and homes than he could count. Dennis always made himself available if his children needed him, and they will always be grateful for all he did for them. Dennis was also a fan of WI sport teams the Badgers, Packers and Bucks. Many years ago when the Packers played games in Milwaukee, he would attend with Joan's father and brother. He took his children to many Brewers baseball games as children and as adults. There were also Packer, Admirals, and Brewers games with his grandchildren. Becoming a "Papa" was one of Dennis' greatest joys. He loved spending time with his five grandsons and his one granddaughter, his "little kitten." Dennis was quite the baby hog, always saying "The baby wants to come to Papa now!" He loved holding his grandchildren on his lap in his recliner and napping along with them. He had a lot of practice with this with his own children as well! As the grandchildren got older, Dennis was happy to play games and swim with them in the pool. His children liked to tease him that they froze in the pool every summer, but as soon as the first grandchild came along he bought a pool heater. Outside of his family time, Dennis always enjoyed the camaraderie of hunting and fishing trips with friends and family throughout his life. He taught his children how to play poker, and as adults had a number of family Texas Hold'em nights when they all got together. Dennis also enjoyed cooking for his family, especially large breakfasts. All of his children had their favorite dishes that he would prepare when they visited. Losing Dennis has been a terrible blow to his immediate family, as well as relatives and friends. His family just continues to pray that he is now free of the constant pain he experienced due to his health conditions, and is residing in Heaven. He will be loved and missed by all that knew him. Joan was always proud of him and his successes. He was a great provider and supporter as a husband and father and was always quick with hugs, kisses and saying he loved us. His son Justin said what many are thinking, "He was my hero, my best friend and the greatest father any boy could ask for."