Obituaries

Dennis Hill

August 25, 1953 - September 21, 2023

Text:

Obituary For Dennis Hill

Madison - Dennis (Denny) D. Hill, age 70, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, at which time he joined his Father in Heaven. He was born in West Baraboo, WI to Art and Phyllis (Lamar) Hill on August 25, 1953. Denny graduated from Baraboo High School and got his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin and later earned a master’s degree from Edgewood College. Denny began his teaching career at Madison East High School in the early 1990s, teaching both History and AP Psychology. His deep-rooted passion for sports, especially football, led him to become an Assistant Varsity Coach at East High School from 1991 to 1999, followed by his appointment as Head Coach from 1999 to 2011.

Denny was a dedicated speaker known for his commitment to addressing the issues surrounding substance abuse and mental health conditions. To further raise awareness, with the help from his friend Chuck Supple, a Facebook page called Journey for Chandra was born. Collaborating with Tellurian Inc, he also worked to establish Chandra's House of Hope, a sober living home in Madison created to provide a nurturing environment for women on their path to healing. This endeavor was deeply personal as it was fueled by the loss of his daughter, Chandra. Through his work, he turned personal tragedy into a lifelong mission to provide hope for those suffering. Shot out of a rocket.

Outside of his professional life, Denny found joy in participating in softball, golf, pickleball, hunting, fishing, and talking smart. Denny had an extraordinary gift for forging connections and possessed a love for socializing.

In retirement, Denny and his wife Gail, escaped the winter months to Florida, where they have formed lasting relationships. They also treasured their time and holidays spent in Maine with son Adam and family. Denny felt immense joy in his role as a grandfather, affectionately known as “Beeka” to his granddaughter who was lovingly referred to as “Poogie Girl”. One tradition he held dear to his heart was dressing up in his iconic red suit and magically transforming into Santa Claus.

Denny was a man of deep faith, and it was evident in the way he lived out his life. Every morning he would immerse himself in his daily devotionals while referencing scripture from Chandra’s bible and having a good cup of coffee. There is no doubt in our minds that he is now dancing in the kingdom of heaven with his precious daughter Chandra and loved ones.

Denny is survived by his wife, Gail Telander-Hill; son, Adam (Randi); granddaughter, Lennox Chandra; his brother, Robert (Leslie); sister-in-law, Joan and his many nieces, nephews & cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gene, and Gary; sister, Judith Ann; daughter, Chandra Judith Ann and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at DOOR CREEK CHURCH – SPRECHER ROAD CAMPUS, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison. A visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, Denny would be honored if any donations would be made out to Tellurian Inc. in care of Chandra’s House of Hope, 300 Femrite Drive, Madison, WI 53716. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257

Services

6 Oct

Visitation

04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Door Creek Church - Sprecher Road Campus 6602 Dominion Drive Madison, WI 53718 Get Directions »
6 Oct

Memorial Service

06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Door Creek Church - Sprecher Road Campus 6602 Dominion Drive Madison, WI 53718 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • October 22, 2023

    Dear Gail and family, I am deeply saddened to hear that Denny is no longer with us. I met Denny in the late 80s when I worked for Wisconsin Special Olympics. He served on my volunteer games management committee. Ironically, he held my son Zachary at one of our Special Olympics meetings weeks after he was born and then went on to be his football coach at East high school. He was an excellent teacher, coach, mentor, and just an amazing human being. He left a lasting mark on those who knew him! RIP Denny and say hi to my dad Denny. I'm sure you're up there talking football together. 💜 Kathern Felton Paige and family

  • October 07, 2023

    Condolences from the Oldenburg family. I student taught to get my teacher's license under Denis Hill. I loved it. His guidance, and having me lead the classes, grade papers, and even refer to me as golden to my Edgewood advisor. What a wonderful human being. I am saddened and heartbroken. Well at least I know I still have a reference from him up on heaven. Thanks Mr Hill for believing in me. If there ever was an advocate for inclusiveness, Denis Hill is the man. I'm originally from La Crosse, so I'll just say," In heaven there is no coffee that's why we drink it here". Reading donations with the coffee, I gotta do more of that. Onward and upward Mr Hill RIP Steven Earl Oldenburg

  • October 06, 2023

    Dear Gail, Jon and I send our deepest sympathy. We are so very sorry for your loss. You, Adam and family are in our prayers.

  • October 06, 2023

    Dear Gail and the Family, I read through Dennis' Obituary, and it is evident that he was a remarkable person, a man of faith who positively impacted the community and served as a great role model for your family. Please accept my deepest and sincerest condolences for your loss.

  • October 04, 2023

    Denny was and is still a great man. I am so glad I had an opportunity to meet someone like him during my time staying at Chandra's House sober living. Denny and Gail his wife created this house in the community to help women in their addiction and not only did it help me during my struggle the house and him gave myself an unconditional love despite my past and it gave me the opportunity to grow in a place full of LOVE. Bringing everyone together and celebrating holidays with all of us there. We were a family. Denny also took me to my court date and spoke on my behalf to the judge and district attorneys office. He gave me a chance. This all came from losing a loved one to addiction and I find comfort knowing he is with his daughter he loved so deeply. Thank you for all the words of wisdom and the kindest, giving, gentle soul I needed in my darkest times it saved my life during my time there. I will always appreciate you, Denny. Everything you did for myself and your community who often get overlooked. You helped SO many young women and I admire you to the fullest for that. Heaven gained and Angel and I know you will rest in peace. May god be with his family during this time and I pray you find comfort in knowing he is with Chandra.

  • October 04, 2023

    Dear Gail and family, We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Denny was such a kind and fun loving man. We will miss our special times that we spent together in The Villages and our travels back to Wisconsin. Deepest sympathy to you and your family Gail.

  • September 30, 2023

  • September 30, 2023

    Gail and family, you have are deepest condolences. Denny will be missed by Michelle and me. May he RIP

  • September 29, 2023

    Dear Gail and family, so very sorry for your loss. Denny was such a great person. My prayers Terri Kreilkamp

  • September 29, 2023

    Sending sympathy and love to Denny's family. Denny was an amazing friend to my husband, Joe. He was so brave in the face of tragedy and loss. My heartfelt condolences!

  • September 29, 2023

    Mr. Hill was one of those exceptional teachers, one that I will remember as "one of my favorites." His genuine, charismatic personality as a teacher, coach, and mentor was obvious. I had him for AP Psychology at East about 20 years ago. He talked so fondly of both Adam and Chandra and was clearly a family man. I've followed his (Chandra's) story over time and send your family love as you remember them both.

  • September 29, 2023

    Gail and family: We are so sad to hear of your loss. Denny has been such a great friend to my brother Tom. He will be deeply missed. Jim and Jill Mason.

  • September 29, 2023

    Gail and family, Even though I didn't know Denny personally, I see he was a kind, caring and special person. I'm sorry for your loss.

  • September 28, 2023

    I'm saddened to hear the news of Coach Hill's passing. As a student I enjoyed taking his history class and I enjoyed working with him on the Football team. ~ Ryan Witalison

  • September 28, 2023

    Denny was a role model man, respected and held in high regard by all who knew him. Thank you Denny for the friendship and memories. RIP

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