Dennis M. Varholik

Dennis M. Varholik, 75, Phillips, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2025 while under the care of Heartland Hospice at Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center, Owen.

He was born July 30, 1949 in Phillips, son of the late Nicholas and Marie (Tomczak) Varholik. Dennis married Janet Grotsun in Phillips on September 29, 1973. She preceded him in death on April 25, 1995.

Dennis was definitely a “Jack of all Trades”. The saying was, if Dennis couldn’t fix it no one can. He worked at Omark in his early career welding and later worked on Frank Jasurda’s farm for many years. His last job was at IAP fabricating large industrial fans. Dennis loved working with his hands. No problem was too big for his mechanical mind to fix.

Dennis and Janet also loved kids and fostered many children. They strived to give the children a stable and happy home. He loved teaching the kids about the outdoors. It brought him great joy. In May of 1994 they adopted Anthony and Thomas.

Dennis loved the outdoors. He was lucky enough to harvest some beautiful trophy deer and bears. George, the bear mount had frequent rides in the back of Dennis’s truck during a spring day for cleaning. It always made the Phillips residents turn their heads and smile. Fishing was also another passion. His favorite place in the world was fishing in the Little Elk River. He said there was nothing better than a good, pan-fried trout.

In Dennis’s later years he enjoyed raising vegetables, flowers and herbs for the farmers’ market. Purple potatoes and raspberries were some of his favorites. He enjoyed sharing his bounty with everyone and loved the social atmosphere of the farmer’s market.

Everyone knew Dennis. He was the friendly neighbor that would mow your lawn, pull you out of a ditch on a winter day, weld the broken hay wagon and bring you an apple cranberry pie. Dennis loved his family. He enjoyed making a wonderful Christmas venison roast while Nicole made the gravy and Mandelyn got out the Cutco knives.

Survivors include his children, Nicole (Justin) Hess, Marathon, Thomas Varholik, Pennsylvania and Anthony Varholik, Boyd, his granddaughter, Mandelyn Lyons, his step granddaughters, Brooklyn and Olivia Hess, his brother-in-law, Dale (Becky) Grotsun and his sister-in-law, Kathy (Matt) Connor, close cousin, Margie Jagodzinski and his nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Jonathon and his brother, Robert.

A Celebration of Life for Dennis will be held at the VFW Hall, 306 S Lake Ave, Phillips, WI from 1-5pm on Saturday, May, 10, 2025.

From the family, thank you to all the great doctors, nurses, CNAs and care staff at Clark County Rehab and Heartland Hospice. Thank you for your patience, support and empathy. We will never forget it.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com