Denise Rheaume-Ceplina

Rhinelander:
Denise Lindsey Rheaume-Ceplina, 65, passed away 6/24/16 after an 8 month battle with leukemia. She shared a generous, lively, and loving spirit with staff and clients at Rhinelander Headwaters for 27 years and 5 years at Lac du Flambeau Headstart. She gave of herself continuously to: Nicolet Players, Rhinelander Historical Society, Oneida County Fair, Tommy O's Playhouse, Americorps, and many other community organizations. She enjoyed life to the fullest by surrounding herself with laughter, positivity, friends, family, parties, and hobbies.
Denise was a perfect example of "don't judge a book by its cover"; she crackled with energy and wit, and took interest in a plethora of activities, including listening to heavy metal music and dancing to Zumba. Her love for the Ojibwe tribe, Gypsies, and Egyptian culture inspired others to open their minds to diversity. Her enthusiasm was infectious and inspired the nurses and other medical staff at St. Joseph's and UW Health Madison to look at life in a new light. She was an incredible mom who gave everything to her daughter, including teaching her the value of a good education, how to be a "hippy", and that resilience and eternal love take power over sickness. She also had a deep connection with her newly-wedded husband; the couple became famous in Madison for their love lost and found story.
She is survived by Julian, Katherine, Joe, and Andy Rheaume, Keith, Barry, and Gary Scheuring, Mary Mick, Michael Brand, Megan Rheaume-Brand, and Robert Ceplina. Two memorials will be held to celebrate her life. On July 23rd at 2pm, a ceremony will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal church in Madison, with reception to follow. On August 17th, an all-day celebration will be held at Denise's Victorian home in Rhinelander. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or Angel on My Shoulder charities.


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Cress Funeral Home
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, Wisconsin
608-238-3434