Dennis Presser

Madison - Dennis W. Presser age 54, passed away on February 16, 2013 suddenly from natural causes at his home in Madison. He was born on November 10, 1958 in El Paso, Texas, the son of William and Joan (Hamilton) Presser. Dennis faithfully served his country for over 20 years as an Army Infantryman, serving both in active duty and in the National Guard. He retired from the 32nd Infantry Brigade at the rank of Captain. Dennis graduated from North Dakota State University where he received a BA in Humanities. From 1991-1995, he attended and graduated from UW-Madison with his MA, MS in Public Administration and Urban and Regional Planning. In 1987, Dennis was united in marriage to Laurie Jo Larson, DVM in North Dakota. Over the years, they resided in North Dakota, Maine and Wisconsin. Dennis was an avid conservationist, hunter and trout fisherman. He held active roles in many organizations including the Ruffed Grouse Society, Dane County Conservation League, the Nature Conservancy, Southwest Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Prairie Enthusiasts and until recently was Chairman of the Prescribed Fire Council of Wisconsin. Dennis served as a Union Steward for the Wisconsin Science Professionals. He was also an active member of his church, Circle Sanctuary of Mount Horeb and he led conservation efforts on the nature preserve there. Dennis also enjoyed making music and was a member of the Madison based Brazilian percussion group, "The Handphibians" for several years. Dennis was beloved by many for his humor and full hearted generosity. To his last day, he lived his life fully.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Laurie Larson , his two children; Hunter and Allegra Larson all of Madison, his mother; Joan Presser of Turtle Lake, ND; brother; David (Theresa) Presser of Mercer, ND a sister; Deborah Presser of Bismarck, ND, aunts and uncle; Gary (Judy) Presser of Mercer, ND, Vern White of Minnesota. Dennis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father William Presser, sister Donna Presser, his brother Douglas Presser and a niece Heather Presser.
Memorial services will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 2:00 pm with Reverend Selena Fox officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 12 Noon until the time of services. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family requests donations in Dennis's name be directed to Madison Chapter - Rough Grouse Society, attn.: Jim Shurtz, 2822 Chamberlain Ave., Madison, WI 53705 and/ or Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve, P.O. Box 9, Barneveld, WI 53507

Dennis, may the trout rise to the fly you cast, may the grouse flush in just the right direction, may the spring rains bring up green shoots from the blackened prairie, and may there always be more cowbell. We love you and miss you, Papa Bear!
Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3325 E. Washington Road
(608) 249-6666
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