Dennis J Gaffney Obituary

Dennis J. Gaffney, 70, of Menominee MI entered eternal rest on Friday, June 27, 2025. He was born on January 10, 1955, to the late James and Lorraine (Liebe) Gaffney in Plymouth, WI. He graduated from Sussex-Hamilton High School with a passion for drama, music, ROTC, wrestling, and working metals. In 1974, he began a career in Animal Husbandry with Nimrod Farms in Oconomowoc, WI until 1980. Working the racehorse circuit in Washington state until serving in the U.S. Air Force as an Instructor. Dennis trained Officers and enlisted men for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. After his service during the Persian Gulf War, in September, 1992 he followed his dream to live in Idaho and ended his 13 year Military career. He was a truck driver and became skilled in welding, working at Oshkosh Truck until 2002. In 2007, Dennis became a Forestry Technician in Arizona until poor health forced his retirement in 2012. Dennis searched for love and met Mary Jane Tacdol online in May 2015, he briefly lived in the Philippines and married her on January 16, 2016. Dennis moved to Menominee, MI in 2024 to live out the rest of his days with his daughter and granddaughter.

Dennis had a love for learning and trying new hobbies. He was a member of Unitarian Universalist Church, Van Dyne Sportsman Club, YMCA, the American Legion and Green Party. He had a very humble, selfless and colorful personality that brightened any room he entered.

Dennis is survived by his Son, Sean Gaffney of Hartland, WI; daughter, Rachael Gaffney of Menominee, MI; grandchildren: Trevor, Joshua, Rylan, and Eva; brothers, Richard and Brian Gaffney; and sister, Pat Gaffney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Plymouth, WI. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family.