Jack E. Dennis
July 5, 1941-August 11, 2024
Jack Edward Dennis passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on August 11, 2024. Jack was born in Denver, Colorado on July 5, 1941, to Jack and Geraldine Dennis.
He grew up in North Denver with his younger brothers Richard (Dick)and Donald (Pete). He spent his childhood surrounded by his grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. This created a foundation that nurtured his strong love and support for his family that he displayed his whole life. Jack attended Denver North High School where he pursued his passion for sports playing football and baseball. He graduated in 1959 and was a proud Viking Alumnus who cherished growing up in Denver.
In 1960 he had knee surgery to repair an old football injury and while recovering he met a nurse, Mary Lou Fitzpatrick, who took a special interest in his care. They began dating and were married on February 16, 1963. This began a 61-year partnership that saw them raise three children Pat, Michelle and Steve.
Jack came from a railroad family with his dad, brothers and him enjoying long illustrious careers with Union Pacific. He started as a switchman in 1962 and eventually entered the management trainee program. His management career sent he and Mary Lou on a journey that took them from Colorado to Oregon, Nebraska, Texas, Arkansas and eventually back to Omaha. They embraced the chance to live in different places and made many lifelong friends along the way. After 38 years he retired in 2000 as a division superintendent.
He spent his retirement years in Omaha while enjoying the opportunity to travel with Mary Lou to multiple countries and across the US. He especially enjoyed spending time in Tucson and taking golf trips to Portola, California with his railroad buddies. In addition to travel, he spent time volunteering at Mary Our Queen School. He loved being around kids and was a favorite among the students.
Jack’s greatest enjoyment in life was following the activities of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He relished going to every activity possible and being their #1 fan and supporter. He was the ultimate Grandpa, Uncle and friend who had a gift for making every person he encountered feel special and loved.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Tom and Harriet Fitzpatrick; brother Richard and brother-in-law Walt Fisher. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou; brother Pete (Pam) of Omaha; sister-in-law Susan of Omaha; his beloved Aunt Bev of Denver, CO; son Pat (Amy) of Edmond, OK; daughter Michelle of Omaha; son Steve (Kris) of Omaha. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Jack (Alyssa), Jeff, Nate, Megan Mikus (Roy), Grant and Jake along with three great-grandchildren Clara, Brooks and Audrey.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Mary Our Queen School or Siena Francis House (both of Omaha, NE) would bring a smile to his face
VIGIL SERVICE: Thursday, August 15, 2024, 7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road in Omaha, with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00pm
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, August 16, 2024, 11:00 AM at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, 3405 S. 118th St. Omaha.
INTERMENT: Family Burial at Evergreen Cemetery
To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LiveCast” button at the top of home page.
17 Comments
We met Jack in Palm Springs ⛳️
Great guy ! I called him Jack Spratt.
Hugs to Betty Lou and family❤️
May God Bless the Dennis family and friends during this very sad time. 🙏🙏
Rembering playing golf with him and talking after Megan games. Top notch guy
So very sorry to hear this . He was a true friend to us . We cannot attend services as I hosting a celebration of life for my sister Friday. Prayers for all the family.
Just want to offer my condoliences to the Jack Dennis family. He was such a wonderful loving, caring and funny person. He always went out of his way to say hello and always had a smile. Have to say that his children have amazing characteristics with the upbringing of these two parents. Jack will be miss and also passed so fast. My heart goes out to the family and friends at this time, as I know the heartache a death can cause. You all will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all so much and Jack, please say hello to my wife when you see her! Mike Ostransky
Mary Lou so sorry to hear this news! I am thinking of you! hugs
So many good memories!
So sorry to hear he was s great guy had a lot of good times through the jr old timers.we are sure he will be missed by so many
So sorry for your loss what a great man.
Jack always made you feel special. He had more nicknames for me than I can remember. 💕💕
Grandpa Jack made you feel as though you were the most important person in the room. He was “Grandpa” to our whole family. Prayers for all of his family as they say goodbye.
We will miss you Jack. We ask comfort and peace to his wonderful family. Love, Jim and Margey Krier
So very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Made many trips with Jack on the UPRR. We both hired out in the early 60’s. We traveled to many conventions while members of the UP JOT. His father Jack Sr. was a good friend.. RIP buddy!
Mary Lou, me and my husband David would like to say how sorry we are to hear about your husband. We always liked how he would drive up the street, slowly, we will miss that!
We have such heavy hearts to learn of Jack’s passing. Sending all our love and prayers to MaryLou and all the family. Jack will be dearly missed.❤️🙏🏻
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Although we haven’t kept in touch for a long time, we wanted to express our condolences and prayers for the Dennis clan.😪
So sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. Condolences to the family🙏🙏🙏
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