Denis Francis Walsh
January 14, 1941 – July 4, 2024
Denis Francis Walsh, 83, of Omaha, Nebraska, died on July 4, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving children, grandchildren, extended family and friends during his last hours.
Born on January 14, 1941, to Raphael Edward (R.E.) and Helen Esther (née Lawler) in Carroll, Iowa, Denis spent his childhood helping with the family farm and business with his three brothers. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Creighton University and a master’s degree from North Dakota State University. He also served in the Air National Guard.
While working in Detroit, Denis met the love of his life, Marian Berger. Struck by her intelligence and kindness, he proposed to her while they were at a Tigers baseball game. They married and lived for a brief time in Los Angeles. They moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and welcomed their first three daughters. Denis and Marian made their final home in Omaha and added their son and youngest daughter. They had been married for 40 years at the time of Marian’s death in 2009.
Education was important to Denis, and he sent all his children to Jesuit Universities. He served on the board of Mercy High School and participated in different activities at Marian and Mount Michael High Schools. He also encouraged the children of others to pursue higher education, even taking some to visit universities with his own children.
A devoted Bluejay fan, Denis held season tickets and loved getting to know the coaches and players. He often traveled to special tournaments, recruiting his grandson, Drew, to travel with him.
Denis’s interest in cars lasted throughout his adult life. He was a regional representative to dealerships for Shelby America and Lincoln Mercury. Many of his friends and family will remember his custom 1969 “Grabber Green” Shelby Cobra, which graced many parades and local car shows. Additionally, his hobby was rebuilding cars, often for family members.
As a Xerox employee for over 30 years, Denis was able to take Marian on many trips that he won as sales rewards. They also traveled to several international locations as members of Serra International, which promotes religious vocations in the Catholic Church. Denis connected to distant relatives in Ireland and Australia and maintained a friendship with Marian’s cousins in Germany.
Following Marian’s death, he was buoyed up by his many friends, both old and new. He looked forward to his Friday evening dinner group, meeting friends at the Bagel Bin after Mass, and traveling with the Creighton basketball fans. His children are grateful for them all, especially his friendship with Mary Jean McManus and her loving family.
Denis was preceded in death by his beloved Marian; his parents; his parents-in-law. He is survived by his brothers, Patrick, Thomas (Barbara), and John (Diane) Walsh; brothers-in-law, Ben (Gloria) and Richard (Jan) Berger; sister-in-law, Barbara (Keith) Turvey; children: Margie (David) Haik, Cindy (Paul Lemle) Walsh-Lemle, Sharon (Brit) Carleton, Steve (Monica) Walsh, and Kathleen (Jason) Matson; grandchildren: Marian, Drew, Elaina, Jonathan, Sean, Mintesinote, Donovan, Anthony, Bizuneh, Christian, Ermias, and Harrison.
Family will receive friends on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. then resuming after 6:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service all at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church (11802 Pacific Street).
Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, July 13, 2024, 10:00 a.m., St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Interment: Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Marian High School, Mercy High School, Mount Michael Benedictine School, and St. Robert Bellarmine Church.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
29 Comments
I didn’t make a lot of time to get to know Denis personally, but I have seen the outsized effect he has had on his family and hope to be as loved and cherished as he seemed to be.
Our condolences to Denis’ family. St Roberts council 10108 will pray for the repose of his soul.
Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord. RIP
Margaret you and your family are in my prayers.
Grief never ends but it changes.
It’s a passage, not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith.
It is the price of love. ❤️
Kathleen- your father seemed to be such a great person and influence. Our family sends our condolences and peace to you and your family.
Denis was always interested in what I was doing and never short on a smile and offering an encouraging word. Super nice man and will be missed. Condolences from the entire Minton family.
Denis has been a faithful member for 25 years of the Jesuit men’s group meeting once monthly reflecting on Ignatian spirituality. He loved the church, the Eucharist and Ignatian spirituality. Our group will miss him. I will be praying for Dennis and his family during the retreat, I will be giving in Minnesota next weekend.
Father Larry Gillick, SJ
I first met Dennis when we were both members of Lakeside Wellness. He always had a twinkle in his eye, and a kind remark. After COVID, we both found ourselves at Common Ground. I am so sorry to learn of his passing.
Denny and I became friends while working at Xerox. In retirement, we took a memorable trip to the Daytona 500. We also attempted to solve world problems via phone conversations. When Denny traveled East, he would stop in Iowa and have lunch. Many orqanizations benefited from Denny’s time, talent and donations. A good friend who will be missed by many.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will miss his trips to Michigan
First met Denny in the late 50’s in Vail, Iowa when I spent my summers on the Mehan farm. Now I live 2. blocks from him. Small world! St Robert’s and Creighton have suffered the loss of a devout supporter
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will miss his trips to Michigan My brother and I met Denny when he worked in Detroit before he was married and he lived in Allen Park. Prayers to all of you kids Tom
May Denny Rest in Peace.
I worked with Denny at Xerox and enjoyed his freindship. He loved his family and I know he felt their love in return. So sorry for all of your loss. May he rest in peace and I know he is enjoying heaven.
My condolences goes out to the family and I hope that his memory and time will give you peace. I met Denis while working at Xerox and was a trainee under him. We remained friends over the years and spoke occasionally about his family and Xerox friends. I’m so glad that I ran into him a couple month ago while he
was having lunch with his friends. He updated me on all children and grandchildren family. Denis was a great salesman and he deeply loved his family, friends, St Robert’s and Creighton.
I’ve known Sharon for many years, and I had the opportunity to meet Denis a few years ago through his connection to Marian High School. We met once a year, and he always came to our meetings with relevant information and a call to action – which I appreciated! I know he will be deeply missed by many…may his soul rest in eternal peace.
Denny was a kind, energetic man who valued God, family, and friends. Despite a twenty year age difference and that we worked together for only one year, we remained friends for over forty years. We’d go to lunch a couple times each year (Sons of Italy was our favorite) and catch up on family, travels, and sports. Denny was always interested in my family and our latest news. And he was so proud of his children and grandchildren! I will miss Denny. Best wishes to his family. We’ve lost a good one, but he’s left a great legacy through all of you. MB
Our condolences to Denny’s family. He was a Catholic gentleman and a great friend.
I meant Denis at Lakeside Family Practice. Such a sweet, nice and sometimes mischievous man. My sympathy and prayers to all the family and friends.
We were deeply saddened to hear the news of Denny’s passing. We were neighbors of Denny and Marian when they lived in Millard. Denny always had a positive and guiding presence about him. We always enjoyed seeing him at our firepit night or having an occasional dinner at a local restaurant after he moved away from the neighborhood. He was very proud of his kids and grandkids with a great outlook on the future. He will be greatly missed. Peace and comfort to Margie, Sharon, Cindy, Kathleen, Steven and their families.
We were deeply saddened by the news of Denny’s passing. We were neighbors of Denny and Marian when they lived in Millard. Denny always had a positive and guiding presence about him. We always enjoyed seeing him at our firepit night or having an occasional dinner at a local restaurant after he moved away from the neighborhood. He was a very proud dad and grandpa. He will be greatly missed. Peace and comfort to Margie, Cindy, Sharon, Kathleen, Steve and families.
Dear Pat, Tom, John and Diane,
It has been many years since I talked to Denny at a Saint Ann’s anniversary in Vail. He was still grieving the loss of his wife and recalled several conversations we had shared in Omaha. He truly enjoyed people. I am sorry for your loss.
May you find comfort in your St Ann Vail parish, Lawler family, and l Creighton University Omaha memories.
Sincerely,
Patty Dieter Reidell
That big smile of his was a welcome to befriend a quality person. Denny was a man of integrity and a friendly Irish disposition. The Hibernians of the Father Flanagan Division were cheered by his humor for many years, We’ll miss him greatly. We’re sure of his presence with the Lord.
I am so sorry for your loss but so blessed to have known your Dad through the years! His love of Catholic Education and his work on the Board of Mercy High School was a wonderful witness of his faith. All of us at Mercy are ever grateful for the many gifts he gave us through his time, talent, and treasure!
A truly wonderful work colleague and neighbor. I and my family will always cherish the amount of cars we all drove after he applied his rebuild talents.
To his family you already know what a great guy he was and the amount of people he touched throughout his and your mother’s life.
You will be missed!
He was a blessing and will be missed. This is a such a beautiful description of his life.
So sorry to here about Denny,s passing. We have been friends for a number of years. Tried to go to lunch once a month. I was his realtor in selling his old house and buying the new one. Will miss his companionship. Del andresen
I only just heard that we lost dear Denis. I last spoke with him on 24 Apr and had a long, fun conversation, as always. He made everybody feel special and seen and I will miss him forever, and terribly so. May his memory be a blessing to all of his beautiful family and friends.
Denis was an amazing friend to me when I moved to Omaha as the Xerox District Manager of Sales. It’s not always easy to welcome a new person into an established work community, but I will be forever grateful that Denis welcomed me and helped me in many ways. It was truly a pleasure to work with him and to be his friend. My most heartfelt condolences to his family, and I know they realize Denis led a life so well lived.
To Denny’s family . . . This is belated but I am heartbroken, typing with tears in my eyes. I emailed Denny Saturday about the Creighton game – as I often did. When I didn’t get a reply I decided to Google him. 🙁
He was a great friend and just a great man all around. Denny loved all of you as he loved Our Lord. . . May God help dry your tears, Bobbie & Terry
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