Dennis Blackbourn

Dennis Blackbourn, age 67, of Beetown, WI, passed away on February 24^th, 2015 at UW Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born in Lancaster, WI on January 17, 1948. He was the second son of Edward and Ruth (Eastman) Blackbourn. Dennis graduated from Cassville High School in 1966, and then joined the Navy attending boot camp in San Diego, CA. He trained as an Electronic Technician and graduated second in his class, earning a station at Patrick Air Force Base near Cocoa Beach, FL.

On August 31^st, 1968, Dennis returned home to marry his high school sweet heart, Cheryl Duncan, at the Beetown United Methodist Church. They would move to Florida, where Dennis was assigned to a telemetry ship, called the USS Range Sentinel. Dennis served 6 admirable years in the Navy. Dennis moved home and worked 36 years at Alliant Energy in Cassville, WI as a Lab Instrument Tech, and moonlighted as a TV repairman, retiring in 2009.

Dennis had a passion for flying and obtained his private pilot's license in 1978, and later his, instrument, multi-engine, commercial, and flight-instructor ratings. He enjoyed spending time with family, camping, watching airshows, and having cookouts.

Survivors include Cheryl, his loving wife of 46 years, their two children; Tyler (Lynn Christy) Blackbourn of Madison, WI and Travis (Wendy Van Natta) Blackbourn of Kieler, WI. Dennis was also blessed with four grandsons (Lucas, Colin, Brody, & Gavin); his mother Ruth Blackbourn, Beetown, WI and also, three siblings; Terry (Donna) Blackbourn, Cedar Rapids, IA; Ken (Ruth Ann) Blackbourn, Dixon, IL; JoEllen Roche (Tom Rupnow), Monroe, WI.

Dennis was preceded in death by his Father, Edward Blackbourn, who died in November of 1969.

Memorial services with military honors were held on Friday, February 27, 2015, at 12:00 noon at the Lancaster United Methodist Church with Reverend Barbara Cook officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Family and friends called on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family.