Dennis (Den) Alan Rhead Sr.

Dennis (Den) Alan Rhead, of Elk Mound, WI, passed away at the age of 79, on October 6th in Rochester, MN.

He was born on August 21, 1946. He graduated from Menomonie High School in 1964 and continued his education at Madison Technical College. He grew up in the Menomonie area, where he met and married Rosemary Hase. The couple welcomed two sons into their union: Dennis Jr. and Dean. Later, he married Ann Hinzman in 1987, becoming a step-father to Wade Schilling. The family resided in northern IL before returning to Elk Mound in 1994 to be closer to their extended family.

The biggest joy in Dennis’s life was his role as “Grandpa Den”. His presence was a constant at family gatherings, whether it was attending his grandchildren’s ball games and church programs, or playing games around the table. And no, he didn’t let the kids pull any fast ones on him. Den made every birthday a truly special occasion, ensuring his grandchildren enjoyed “Grandpa Lunch” at Pizza Ranch, a personalized shopping trip, and unfailingly, the day always ended with ice cream. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them, whether at Grandparent’s Day at school, campfires while enjoying pizza, carving pumpkins for Halloween, or swimming in the pool or ocean. While he often claimed he didn’t spoil them, the constant presence of UPS and Amazon delivery trucks making daily stops at his driveway around Christmas time suggested otherwise.

Den pursued his passion of muscle cars and drag racing alongside his sons. The shared interest led him to frequent car shows and swap meets and often took him to the Brainerd Nationals. He was known to have several strategies to “stretch a dollar,” and delighted in sharing the details of the great deals he found. Amusingly, he was convinced that any item on sale was always, somehow colored purple.

Professionally, Den began his food sales career in high school working with his brother and sisters at Rhead Candy Company. He continued in the food sales industry with Milwaukee Cheese, and ultimately concluded his career at Sysco.

Den is survived by his loving wife, of 38 years, Ann; his three sons, Dennis (Sandra), Dean (Melinda), and Wade; and his five cherished grandchildren: Jake, McKinley, Titus, Sadie, and Mayzie. He is also survived by his sisters Cheryl (Richard “Dick”) Beguhn and Sue Kutner, and his brother Terry (Lori) Schaefer: along with many nieces, nephews and other loved ones.

Den was preceded in death by his parents, Cy and Allene “Toots” Rhead; his sister Nancy (Jerry) Burns, and his brother-in–law, Jeff Kutner.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at Amy Chapel, E9882 370th Ave., Eau Claire, WI, on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the charity of your choice.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com