Service Details
Please join us in celebrating the life of Dennis Jalensky. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, from 9:00am until 12:00pm.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Aurora at Home Hospice, whose nurses took wonderful care of Dennis.
Dennis passed away on October 29, 2025 at home with his family at his side, a merciful end to a long and difficult illness. He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 17, 1957 to Walter and Muriel Jalensky. As a kid, he hunted and fished-often during his school lunch hour-and tinkered with small electronics.
A born entrepreneur, he turned his love for hunting and fishing into a career in 1978 when he opened Jalensky’s Sports with his brother Wayne (his brother Jim was an investor and his brother Greg joined later as a partner). For nearly three decades, generations of hunters, fishermen, and boaters found their gear and guidance. As a salesman, he had unmatched integrity. He sold the business in 2007 and became a realtor, helping families find their first or forever home.
He tinkered and fixed things all his life. Whether it was a lawnmower, vacuum, or Schwinn bike, he knew they made ’em better back in the day and invested in keeping them going. He loved going to Door County and Crivitz every year with his wife Laurie, sons David and Scott, and extended family. He always looked to get a great deal-in fact he needed a great deal-on everything. Both his family and those who hired him as realtor will attest to this.
He loved the quiet of Up North. He loved visits with his Texas-based sister Diane and family. He loved fishing and talking and having a cocktail with his friends and family. He had an insatiable sweet tooth. He loved his granddaughters Nora and Lucy and played dolls with them when he could. He even bought them all those “Buddies” movies (he was a lifelong dog lover). When things were dire, he looked forward to seeing the girls most. He fought until the end like you wouldn’t believe.
He’s survived by his wife, Laurie (nee Lamberton) Jalensky; son, David (Anna) Jalensky and granddaughters Nora and Lucy; son, Scott (Alyssa Thunhorst) Jalensky; sister, Diane (Mark) Gibbs; brothers, James (Kathleen) Jalensky, Greg (Denise) Jalensky; sisters-in-law, Mary Jalensky, Kathy (Mike) Boero; and mother-in-law, Diana Lamberton. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family, and dear friends.
Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Muriel (nee Lockman) Jalensky; brother, Wayne Jalensky; and father-in-law, Robert Lamberton. And his beloved dogs, Maddie and Bella.
Please join us in celebrating the life of Dennis Jalensky. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, from 9:00am until 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Aurora at Home Hospice, whose nurses took wonderful care of Dennis.
Jim and Pat Staaden says
Laurie,
Jim and I are so sorry to read about Dennis’ passing. I remember his huge smile especially when he saw you at Fashion Plus. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim and Pat Staaden
Eileen Church says
I knew and loved Dennis personally through his wife, Laurie. He was a gentle soul who enjoyed talking, but more importantly, listening to whatever was going on in your life.
I credit his impeccable integrity when helping me choose a new home and will never forget his support and commitment to making sure that I was happy with my purchase. I will never forget him for that.
My heart breaks for his adoring wife, Laurie, his sons, and additional family. đź’”
May you find peace and strength from our Loving Father during this most difficult loss.🙏🏻
Jim Fumo says
To the Jalensky Family, My deepest condolences to the entire family!! Dennis was my dear friend for close to 50 years. Memories with Dennis will be with me forever! He was my “best man in my wedding” I am so glad I was able to be close to Dennis with weekly visits during his illness. Unfortunately his life was taken too quickly. My players are with all of you.
Mark & Joan St. Martin says
We will remember Dennis who always was smiling. Every time we saw him, he had a smile on his face. Praying for comfort for the entire family during this difficult time.
Mark St Martin II says
Rest in peace Mr. Jalensky. We will remember you forever. I remember Mr. Jalensky would always give me the “peace sign” when he would drive by and I would be playing road hockey in front of my parents house. Because he always did that, I’ve carried that on to when I’m driving and see people I know and sharing the peace. Just a little funny memory I’ll always have of him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Jalensky, Scott, David, and all of their families. I know Mr. Jalensky is giving me the peace sign every time I look up to the heavens
Don Wagner says
Beautiful tribute to Dennis. How he loved his family and what a truly special and loving family. Laurie has been amazing and so thankful the immediate family including the granddaughters were there to say goodbye. He will be missed but memory will live on with us all.
Kathryn & Michael Boero says
Dennis truly was the most wonderful brother-in-law; really more like the brother I never had. Michael and I will miss him more than words can say. His memory will live on in his beloved sons, Dave and Scott, and in his beloved granddaughters, Nora and Lucy.
Heaven has gained a very sweet angel with a great sense of humor, and we’ll do our best on earth to carry on, always cherishing his memory.
Vickie Griebel Hessefort says
I have not seen Dennis in many years but him and I started at
G & H in the inside sales department. on the same day July 1, 1978. Very shortly after that, they opened up Jalensky’s Sporting Goods across the street on 52nd St.. we were all young then and those were some very fun times. Dennis always kept things lively, even though he was exhausted from working two jobs.
Rest in peace Dennis.
Vickie Griebel Hessefort
Liz Graceffa says
My deepest condolences to Laurie, David, Scott and the entire Jalensky family.
Pat (Keating) & Brion McDermott says
Laurie and family, Diane, Jimmy & Greg and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing and illness. We have fond memories of many years ago when we shared time together with the whole Jalensky family and enjoyed their hospitality and friendship.
As requested in lieu of flowers we will make a donation to St. Jude Childrens Hospital in memory of Dennis.
We will remember Dennis and family in our prayers.
Teresa Paone says
My high school memories always include Dennis. He had just a twist of sarcasm, that was always humorous. The glint in his eyes and knowing smile will always be one of the best memories.
Praying for comfort for all. Rest in Peace, Dennis.
Kaushal Pathak (KP) says
Laurie and family,
My family and I are very sorry to hear about Dennis. While professionally acquainted initially, Dennis quickly became a friend after he helped us find our home a decade ago and a second one 2 years ago. I enjoyed talking to him on various topics, sharing stories and experiences. I still remember how excited he was sharing some of his childhood memories in the Kenosha house that I bought. We pray for him and will always remember him as a kind, caring, well spoken and always smiling. RIP Dennis!
Deb Cappello says
I’m so sorry for the family loss. I got to know Dennis at Coldwell Banker. He was always in a positive mood good to be around. So knowledgeable. Made my day to see him in the office, working on deals.
Cal Andersen says
To Laurie and the whole family. My sincere sympathy for your loss at this time. Dennis was a great influence to me when I started my fishing career. He shared his knowledge and support to me. I took great pleasure working with him at the store. I pray that God will give you peace at this time. I know he will be missed by many. But we all will have great memories of a great man.🙏
Jim Lewis says
I enjoyed talking with Dennis at neighborhood gatherings. Sometimes I would see him while walking around the block. He always had interesting things to say and a positive outlook on a life. I will miss seeing Dennis. My condolences to the family.
Jim Jensen says
Laurie and the Jalensky family. Dennis was a wonderful guy and a great boss. I learned a lot from him in my time at Jalensky’s. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Jalensky family.