Dennis R. Christopherson

Dennis Ray Christopherson, age 72 of Clintonville, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, surrounded by his loving family at Appleton Medical Center. He was born on March 1st, 1953, and attended St. Rose Catholic School through the eighth grade before graduating from Clintonville High School in 1971.

In 1975, Dennis married the love of his life, Deborah Lee Arndt, and together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Over the course of nearly 50 years of marriage, they weathered life’s ups and downs side by side, creating a home full of warmth, humor, and resilience. They were blessed with three beautiful children—one son, Cory (Kia) Christopherson and two daughters, Casey Christopherson and Carey (Michael) Dey—and later, four precious grandchildren: Caleb and Gavin Christopherson and Brynnlee and Carter Dey.

Dennis wore many hats throughout his life, each with pride and purpose. In his younger years, he delivered newspapers and made doughnuts from scratch before working as a gas station attendant at the Clark Station. Later, he became a repo man for Thorp Corporation and took pride in his work as a beer delivery driver for Choice Beer Sales, where he worked alongside his father-in-law. Eventually, he followed in his own father's footsteps, proudly owning and operating a feed mill in Tigerton. While he worked hard in every job he held, the titles that meant the most to him had nothing to do with work. The roles that truly defined him were husband, son, brother, father, and—most importantly—grandfather.

His grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. His face lit up the moment they entered the room, and he never missed a chance to share how proud he was of each of them. From school accomplishments and sports games to hunting and fishing trips or simply a funny story, Dennis celebrated every moment with genuine joy. They were his world, and the deep love he had for them will remain one of his most enduring and treasured legacies.

In his free time, Dennis found peace and purpose in the outdoors. He loved trapping, hunting, fishing, and tending to his garden. A loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, he especially enjoyed listening to Bob Uecker call Brewers games on the radio. He had a fondness for the simple routines of daily life—never missing the 12 o’clock news or the weather report. With a cup of coffee in the morning or a good beer in the evening, he could often be found at the kitchen table playing solitaire, content in the steady rhythm of home.
Dennis was known not just for his love of the outdoors, but for his quick wit, strong opinions, and unforgettable one-liners. He was as stubborn as they come—once he made up his mind, there was no changing it. Whether it was the best beer to drink, the right way to bait a hook, or which team was going to win on Sunday, Dennis stood his ground with a mix of grit, humor, and charm that made him uniquely himself.

When asked how he was doing, he’d flash a grin and say, “Finer than a frog’s hair split down the middle.” If someone said “Yeah, but…” he’d reply with a chuckle, “Yeah but is a big rabbit that runs around in the backyard.” And if things were getting too serious or dramatic, he’d toss up his hands and add in a perfectly timed “I’m just saying.”

He had a way of saying goodbye that made people laugh—usually with his trademark line, “Keep it in your pants.” And when his family told him “I love you,” he’d grin and say, “I like you too. I only love my wife.” It was his way of reminding everyone just how deeply he cherished his beloved wife, Deb, and how fiercely loyal he was to the woman he spent nearly 50 years beside.

Dennis is also survived by his beloved mother, Ramona Christopherson, siblings Dawn (Butch) Kratzke and Dan (Barb) Christopherson, and a large extended family including in-laws Dean Arndt, Connie Gluth, Mary (Al) Pevonka, Jo (Mike) Westphal, Terry (Kevin) Krueger, Pat (Tim) Schwartz, and Bob (Tanya Babino) Arndt, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Christopherson, mother-in-law, Donna Arndt, father-in-law, Lee Arndt and brother-in-law, Doug Gluth.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Marion Police Department, Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department, Clintonville Fire Department, Clintonville Ambulance crew, Shawano Emergency Department, and the dedicated ICU team at Appleton Medical Center, especially Kat V and Tony, for their compassionate care and support.
Dennis’s legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and unforgettable humor will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held for Dennis on Friday May 30, 2025 at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory (South Location, 299 S. Main Street, Clintonville, WI 54929) at 7pm with Deacon Joe Lehman officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday (May 30th) from 4pm until the time of service. Dennis’ family invites you to wear casual clothing or even Milwaukee Brewers attire as that’s what he would’ve wanted. www.eberhardtstevenson.com