On Monday, February 3rd, our dear husband, father, brother, and friend Dennis Kearney floated away peacefully from this beautiful earth that he loved so deeply. His passing was gentle and loving just like his life, surrounded by family and friends. 

There will be a memorial service and burial at the Grasse Funeral Service in Pardeeville, WI. Visitation will be held Friday, February 14th from 4 to 7 PM. The memorial service will be held  Saturday, February 15th with a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by the service. Upon conclusion of the service the burial will take place at Wyocena Cemetery. The family welcomes everyone to join them for a luncheon at Grasse Funeral Service after the burial. 

Family and friends are planning a big ole' Celebration of Life for Dennis in the Twin Cities later this spring. Details for that celebration will be posted on his CaringBridge site. 

Dennis Kearney exuded a charismatic love and joy that infected anyone in his presence. He was a free gay spirit, a radical fairey, comfortable in his body, a joyous singer, raucous dancer, and devoted to the outdoors. His laugh was infectious, he loved whole-heartedly, and lived life to the fullest. 

Dennis was born in Rochester, NY on October 11th, 1948 and grew up surrounded by his large Irish Kearney family. He was preceded in death by his parents John Paul Kearney Sr. and Winifred Kearney, brother John Paul Kearney Jr. and wife Jeanie Kearney, and sister Sister Jody Kearney RSM. He is survived by husband Randy Okan, son Harrison Okan, mother in law Shelia Curtis (Dale), siblings Mary Cay Levitt (Chris), Patrick Kearney (Annie), sister in law Vicki Horton (Shane), and nieces and nephews John Paul Kearney III (Nicole), Gretel Friedman (Charles), Paddy Levitt (Megan), Lilly Moses (Curtiss), Winnie Levitt (D'Marques Tyson), Nate Kearney, Braedan Kearney, Joshua Horton, and Broden Horton. 

Dennis attended Penfield High School in Penfield, NY and then received a BA in Business Administration from Nichols College in Massachusetts. 

In 1976, Dennis began working at Voyageur Outward Bound School in Ely, MN. He arrived with an already adventurous spirit and boundless compassion for working with people. His teaching included cross country skiing, rock climbing, canoeing, and wilderness survival.

Dennis had over 35 years of painting experience starting with his brother John. In 1999 he began his own painting company named Olympic Painters. What set Dennis’ company apart from others was the connection that he formed with his clients. He deeply cared for his craft and was a color expert, going the extra mile to exceed his client’s visions and expectations. 

In 2000, Dennis met the love of his life - an introvert to balance his outrageous extroversion. And, he discovered a husband who was able to match his penchant for  adventure. Dennis’ dream of becoming a father came true when he moved in with Randy and Harrison. For Harrison, this new man in the house offered a love of all things outdoors: skating and skiing, camping and canoeing in the Boundary Waters. They enjoyed family dinners and generous love and laughter as a family. 

Dennis spent 30 years with One Voice Mixed (LGBTQ) Chorus singing, dancing, organizing and sharing his audacious humor as a beloved member of the bass section. 

In the past three years, Dennis’ strength began to waver as his body declined. While his generous love and sense of humor stayed strong, he was no longer able to enjoy the outdoor explorations that had been so much of his life. 

We love you, DK.