Dennis was born on March 23, 1949 in Beaver Dam to Edward and Evelyn (nee Hein) Haldemann. He graduated from Carmbria-Friesland High School in 1967. On April 26, 1969, he was united in marriage to Shirley Johnston at St. Stephen's Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. From 1969 until 1971, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he trained with the Canine Sentry Patrol. Dennis worked at General Motors in Janesville for over 40 years. He worked on the front end design team for Chevrolet Suburbans and was the union representative for UAW Local 95 for many years. During the last few years, he worked as the Medical Placement Coordinator.

Dennis raced IMCA Modified cars for 22 years. Twenty of his racing years were spent at the Dodge County Fairgrounds, followed by a few years at Powercom Raceway. He especially enjoyed dirt track racing and continued to attend local races even when he no longer raced. Dennis was currently rebuilding a 1933 Chevy Street Rod, and he also enjoyed riding go-carts, hunting, playing cards on Wednesday nights and spending time with his family and friends. Dennis and Shirley were foster parents for 15 years and also hosted two foreign exchange students in their home.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Shirley Haldemann of Randolph/Janesville; his children, Sheila (Thad) McNally, Jason (Stacey A.) Haldemann, and Chris (Stacey R.) Haldemann, all of Janesville; 5 grandchildren, Ryan McNally, Bryce, Owen, Sawyer and Tristan Haldemann; his father, Edward (Delores) Haldemann of Beaver Dam; his sister, Bev (Rod) Anderson of Beaver Dam; his brother, Al (Barb) Haldemann of Cambria; and his foster children, Allisha, Carol, Delores and Jenny. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Haldemann, his foster son, Pete and other relatives.

A Funeral Service for Dennis will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Monday, May 16, 2011 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. and also on Tuesday prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will take place at the Friesland Cemetery in the Township of Friesland with graveside military honors provided by the John E. Miller American Legion Post 146.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.

Click HERE to view Dennis' Life Tribute Video.