Obituary: Walter “Wally” J. Denil

August 18, 1936 ~ April 11, 2023

Walter (Wally) Denil, 86, of Forestville, Wisconsin, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on April 11, 2023. Wally (Dad) was born in Brussels, WI to Harry & Mary Denil on August 18, 1936. He graduated from Brussels High School in 1953. Dad married the love of his life, Millie Mae Vandertie, on September 25, 1954, at St Hubert’s Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with 7 children who were Dad’s pride and joy.

Dad took great pride in his Belgian heritage and was an extremely hardworking man.   Raising a large family, he often worked multiple jobs simultaneously.  He worked as a pressman at Algoma Hardwoods for 47 years. During those years he also worked evenings at Ralph Uecker Implement, and bartending.  Additionally, in 1967 Dad proudly purchased a Farmall 400 tractor.  He spent 40 plus winters, often in the early hours of the morning prior to his normal workday, plowing snow for friends and neighbors throughout Forestville. 

He and Mom enjoyed 35 years as seasonal campers at Tranquil Timbers.  Camping was Dad’s “Happy Place”. Some of his favorite memories were of camping and the times they spent with the friends they met along the way.  Dad was a devout Catholic and his faith never wavered. Above all, his greatest love was his family.  His love for Mom and his family gave him great peace and joy.  

Wally is survived by his wife, Millie, his daughters, Sue (Sherman) Herlache, Debbie (Dale) Blahnik, Barb (Mike) Mueller, Brenda Schlise, Jane (Andy) Massart and Lisa (Dean) Schad.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Michelle (Damien) Massart, Chris (Sarah) Herlache, Ryan (Melissa) Herlache, Jeremy (Megan) Blahnik, Brent (April) Blahnik, Megan Mueller, Ashley (Dan) Rankin, Brandon (Alex Myers) Mueller,  Max (Blair Wautlet) Schlise, Mitchell (Rachal) Schlise, Nicole (Shawn) Potts, Brice (Kelli) Massart, Haley (Garrett) Vickman, Tristin (Jordan Annis) O’Neill, Brenan (QiQi LeSage) O’Neill, Reece and Natalee Schad, brother Hubert Denil, great grandchildren, and brothers and sisters-in-law. 

He is preceded in death by his son, Donald (Donny) Denil, his twin infant grandchildren, Tyler and Travis Schlise, his son-in-law, Dean Schlise, his parents, Harry & Mary Denil, brothers, Raymond Denil, Jim Denil & Louie Denil.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Holy Name of Mary Church in Maplewood with Rev. Ryan Krueger officiating.  Burial will follow at Holy Name of Mary Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Forbes Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.

The family would like to send out their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Cherry Cove.  No words can express our appreciation for your loving care of Dad, and your compassion for our entire family.