Dennis L. "Gabby" Brunelle, 57, of Wakefield, died Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on April 15, 1953, in Ashland, Wis., the son of Robert and Mary (Dean) Brunelle. He lived in Wakefield most of his life. Gabby attended Wakefield schools and while there held the mile track record.
He was employed by White Pine Mining Company, Connor Forest Industries, was the owner of Gabby's Bar and a car salesman. Gabby was currently employed by Superior Auto in Ironwood. He also was the athletic director at the Wakefield-Marenisco High School.
One of his joys in life was coaching high school baseball. Gabby was very active in fund raising for many causes. He helped with gun raffles, sold 50/50 tickets, coordinated the Steak-Out, served the community as a volunteer fireman and began the Matt Ahonen Softball Tournament. Gabby would help anyone who needed him. He was honored at the Matt Ahonen by having a field named for him. Gabby refereed football and enjoyed spending time with people.
On Aug. 17, 1974, he married Marianne Holmes in Wakefield.
Surviving are his wife, Marianne; two sons, Ray (Betsy) and Robert, both of Wakefield; two daughters, Elizabeth, Wakefield, and Melinda (Luis Sanchez), Cedartown, Ga.; two brothers, Roy (Michele), Bessemer, and Leon (Rita) Wakefield; a sister, Carol, Mapleton, Ill.; five grandchildren, Mackenzie and Nicholas, both of Wakefield, and Nathan, Antonia and Zuri, all of Cedartown; several aunts and uncles; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.
Gabby was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Michael.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, March 21, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Wakefield-Marenisco School District Gymnasium, where funeral services will follow at 6 p.m., with the Rev. Bill Jacobson, pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, officiating.
A reception will be held in the gym following the service.
Pallbearers will be Phil Meldrum, Jeff Wasley, Bob Heil, Bill Powell, Tony Ringsmuth and Tim Makela.
Interment will take place in the spring at Lakeside Cemetery.
The family is being served by Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield.
Online condolences may be offered at: lakesidememorialchapel.com.