Dennis Erks

Dennis A. Erks of Port Charlotte, Florida lived life exactly as he wished right until the very end of his time on earth. Never one to seek medical intervention outside of consulting Web MD, his cancer diagnosis was a shock but he fought for life right up until the end. Sadly, his body could no longer support his efforts and on Friday, July 13, 2018, he passed away peacefully in his sleep at his daughter Connie (Erks) Schulze's residence in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. His long-time girlfriend and best friend, Cheryl Miller was by his side.

Dennis left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His reputation for living life to the fullest followed him from state to state and job to job. He made quick friends with many of his fellow I.B.E.W. members first in Sioux City, Iowa and later in Janesville, Wisconsin. He also exercised his passion for being his own boss and for a number of years following retirement from the electrical field, he ran a successful business that allowed him to spend his work hours interacting with the patrons at several bars and restaurants. Each day he would look for opportunities to buy a round for the locals and of course he had to share in the festivities. Even so, his desire for a good drink never caused him to lose sight of his commitment to his friends and family who always came first.

In addition to his appreciation for a stiff drink, Dennis appreciated the opposite sex and even in the throes of unimaginable pain, he found the energy to flirt innocently with the staff from Agrace Hospice who provided him excellent care as he lay dying. However, there was no doubt that the love of his life was Cheryl Miller who truly helped him feel settled and content in their home in Florida, something he had been seeking his entire life.

Now we, the survivors of Dennis A. Erks including his brother Dale A. Erks and his wife Carol from Circle Pines, Minnesota; his daughter Connie Schulze, son-in-law John and their son, John Schulze III of Sun Prairie; and Cheryl Miller and her son Derek Miller, along with his family from Madison, Wisconsin must accept the fact that he is gone just shy of his 70th birthday. Even though our hearts are broken, we find tremendous peace in knowing his parents, Albert and Anna (Beeck) Erks who brought him into the world on July 19, 1948 in Sioux City, Iowa are waiting to greet him in heaven. Even more reassuring is knowing Dennis is finally reunited with the older sister he loved so dearly, Delores (Erks) James and many other friends and family who preceded him in death.

Goodbye, daddy. You will be missed.

Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI
608-837-9054