Dennis Paul Kolehmainen

Dennis Kolehmainen was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a man of faith and of Sisu. Dennis was a Yooper, born in Detroit and growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His parents were Eino Kolehmainen and Eva Lappala Kolehmainen, of Finnish heritage. He had one younger brother, Michael. Both Dennis and Michael served in the Army; Michael gave his life in service during the Vietnam War.

Dennis had an avid voracity for life, with both technical and creative talent. While in school, he enjoyed playing the Sousaphone in a marching band. An uncle introduced him to ham radio, and he later secured his ham radio operating license. He studied engineering and computer sciences at college and worked as a programmer and systems analyst for Lockheed Martin for over 20 years. One of his favorite jobs was one of his earliest, as a computer animator for Computer Image Corporation; this job took him to London and Tokyo and even involved providing some animation for the Jim Henson Company! And Dennis was seldom without a camera, documenting the lives of those he loved, his church congregations, and others. He loved blues, jazz, Finnish brass band, and classical music, the latter of which he played throughout the day. He was also romantic.

He volunteered frequently, supporting his parishes in Colorado, religious gatherings such as World Youth Day in Denver, music festivals, and organizations like the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Denver Finn Club and Swallow Hill Music Organization with his photography and his radio skills. He gave much time in support of others, both friends and strangers. This deep conviction of helping others was grounded in his faith.

Dennis brought his quirky sense of humor, curiosity and generosity to a family – marrying Cathi, and her three children: Jennifer, Sarah and Lance in 1996 in Colorado. He shared his love of technology, science, music, biking, art and being outdoors with his family. Dennis is survived by his family and four grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 16 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2121 Rowley Avenue, at 11 am.  Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of mass.  

Cress Funeral Home

608-238-3434