There is nothing in the headlines today to suggest that a strong, steady man has left us. But for those who loved him, the world feels unmistakably different. Dennis J. Jenders passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, surrounded by his family after his heart, which had given so much to so many for so long, finally grew still.

A proud resident of Milwaukee and graduate of Pulaski High, Dennis built a distinguished career in the railroad industry – serving the Milwaukee Road, Soo Line, and Canadian Pacific for 45 years as a Mechanical Engineer and Manager of the Mechanical Department. Decade after decade, he showed up rain or shine with the steady hands and quiet pride of someone who believed that doing your job well was its own reward. He genuinely loved the railroad, sharing his pride in the stories and history of the ties and rails that serve this country.

A blue-collar Midwestern man, Dennis rose from humble beginnings. Together with his loving wife, Gloria, he gave their children, Dennis and Katherine, a better start than he had been given. He taught them the importance of hard work, character, and integrity while thinking critically, asking questions, and staying curious. These lessons were delivered through guidance, stories of his own experience, and the hard lessons that proved the old man right.

His laugh was unmistakable, a joyous snicker that arrived with the punchline and lingered after the stories he told. He enjoyed camping with his family and found in the outdoors a place where everything was simplified. He passionately fished open waters with the patience and joy of a man who understood the pleasure of peaceful moments. He hunted with his father, his brother, and family, honoring a tradition of quiet mornings, good company, and the kind of bonding that required few words. In later years, he and Gloria discovered a shared joy in travel, exploring destinations together in a chapter that was entirely their own.

He delighted in his grandchildren. With Owen, he shared the quiet joy of fishing and the pride of watching him grow – celebrating his athletic and academic accomplishments with the satisfaction of a grandfather who knew greatness when he saw it. In Alice, he found a kindred soul – adoring her imagination and spirit, snuggling her as a baby and teasing her as she grew, always with the intention to make her and her brother confident, strong, and loved without condition.

He was a man who expressed love through presence and provision more than through words, but in his final years, he carried a quiet gratitude for his wife, Gloria, whose devotion and care gave him more time, more comfort, and more life than he might otherwise have known.

He beat the odds more than once. In his final moments, he was surrounded by the people he loved most.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria Jenders (Ogrodzinski); his son, Dennis Jenders; his daughter, Katherine Dunbeck, her husband Jeremy, and his cherished grandchildren, Owen and Alice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Steven Eugene Jenders and Nona Mae Jenders (Bartelt).

His legacy is not in any headline. It lives in the lessons he left behind, the laughter he carried with him, and the quiet, certain love he gave every single day. He will be deeply missed.

A private service will be held for the immediate family. We appreciate your love and support during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Dennis to the Cherish Wisconsin Outdoors Fund, supporting the care and restoration of Wisconsin’s public lands and waters.