Denis Crowns

Denis A. Crowns, age 84, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away in the loving company of his family on Saturday, September 14, 2024. He fought a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Denis was born on July 24, 1940 in Wisconsin Rapids to Conrad “Bumps” and Bernadine (Seebruck) Crowns. He graduated from Lincoln High School where he was known to be the best dressed guy in the school. After high school, Denis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He completed basic training at Camp Pendleton. He served from 1958-1962 including time in Okinawa, Japan and as a sharpshooter protecting the United States Capital. He received honorable discharge with the rank of E Staff Sergeant.

Denis married the love of his life, Rose Ann Schara on November 16, 1963, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids.

He spent 10 years as a trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol. Denis also owned several businesses over the years including Crowns Liquor Store, Crowns and Son Sandblasting and Painting, and Central State Sign. He served on the Police and Fire Commission for 10 years and with the Wisconsin Department of Conservation.

Denis was a devoted Catholic and his faith was central to his life. He regularly prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet with the sick and dying, embodying the virtues of compassion and mercy.

Denis was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for Harley Davidson motorcycles, and his skills were showcased in his lovingly built antique Harleys. His adventurous spirit was further displayed in his participation in top fuel nitrous motorcycle drag racing. He won several races, including taking first place at the pro gas class drag races at the Sturgis rally in 2011, and still holds the record today.

A lover of nature, he was an avid deer and duck hunter, and his feats included harvesting a Boone and Crocket buck. He passed on this passion for deer hunting to many family members and friends. He also found joy in the simple pleasures of life; walks in the woods, feeding wildlife, playing slots at the casino, and spending time with loved ones at the family cabin, especially during Christmas and the Fourth of July. He was a lover of animals and over the years, opened his home to 44 dogs, several cats, and numerous foster children.

Denis is survived by his children: Kent (Nicki) Van Oort of Lafayette, CO, Natalie (Tim Beliveau) Hansen of Buffalo, MN, Jeffrey (Jessica) Crowns of Wisconsin Rapids, and Heather (Ted) Ironside of Neenah, WI; grandchildren: Macey (Christopher) Patterson, Connor Hansen, Rose Crowns, Grant (Kaylah) Ironside, Noah (Taylor) Hansen, Taylor Ironside, Grace (Sage) Tuttle, Abigail Hansen, Dylan Beliveau, Audrey Van Oort, Grace Van Oort, Brianna Schlinder, Jacob Schlinder, Quinton Stellman, and Kaydince Staples; great-granddaughter, Scarlett Rose Patterson; sister, Patti (Jim Riccardo) Crowns; aunt, Micky Freeman; niece, Stephanie Bonifield; son-in-law, Brian Hansen; daughter-in-law, Amy Crowns; and special friend Marla Bauer and her daughter Shelly. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Evelyn; and wife, Rose Ann.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nekoosa. Rev. John Swing will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the church. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 22 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, with a Rosary Service at 7:30 P.M. Visitation will also be held at the funeral home from 9:00-10:00 A.M. on Monday followed by a procession from the funeral home to the church.

Memorials may be designated in Denis’ honor to the South Wood County Humane Society.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.taylorfuneralhome.net.