Dennis F. Harmer
February 7, 1941 – August 27, 2024
BRISTOL – We are sad to announce the passing of Dennis Harmer of Bristol WI. He died, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 83, after a long battle with cancer. He battled Multiple Myeloma for over 15 years.
Dennis was born on February 7, 1941 in Black River Falls, WI, the son of the late Francis and Dorothy (Klein) Harmer.
Dennis was a graduate of Black River Falls Highschool.
In May of 1992 on the Island of Maui, he married Sherry Sullivan Harmer, his running buddy for over 30 years. Dennis and Sherry traveled coast to coast in an RV or on a motorcycle and had many exciting adventures.
Dennis loved the outdoors – deer hunting, fishing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling; he also loved rebuilding at least twenty antique tractors. Dennis would often be found mowing his 13-acre homestead.
Dennis and Sherry built a beautiful A-frame home in Black River Falls. Many friends and family assisted in the building. A total of ten years was spent making the perfect home away from home.
Dennis worked for the Kenosha Water Utility for forty-two years, retiring in 2004, as the Director of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Dennis received several awards and noted accomplishments during his career, however, he’s best known for leading by example, his integrity, leadership and as a team-builder.
Dennis is survived by a son, Mike DeFranco of Mustang, OK, his children Michael Patrick DeFranco, Derek Anthony DeFranco, Theresa Diane DeFranco the late Kelly Le DeFranco; and son Bobby (Rosalina) DeFranco of Kenosha, WI.; and Lloyd Nelson of Bristol, who was like a brother.
He is also survived by two sisters, Marian (Gene) Stetzer, Marsha Harmer; and one brother Jim Harmer, one nephew Dan (Ashley) Stetzer, and one niece Andrea (Phil Burke) Stetzer who all live in the Black River Falls area.
Dennis is preceded in death by his wife, Sherry, son Dennis Jr., his parents and niece, Nicole.
A visitation for Dennis will be held at Kenosha Bible Church on Friday, September 6th, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. A burial will take place at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park immediately following the service. Family and friends are all welcome.
