Dennis "Bear" L. Mordja Sr.'s Obituary
Mount Pleasant – Dennis "Bear" L. Mordja Sr., 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Timber Oakes in Union Grove.
Dennis was born in Racine on July 26, 1942, to Louis Sr. and Mildred (nee: Gloede) Mordja. Dennis was a graduate of Horlick High School, Class of 1960. On June 24, 1961, Dennis was united in marriage to Constance Amann in Racine. Together, they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage before Connie’s passing on May 4, 2014.
Dennis retired as an operating engineer (Local 139) from A.W. Oakes & Son. His life’s work involved moving many loads of potatoes, steel, scrap iron, earth, asphalt, refuse, and snow. He could share his life stories showing the many building sites, subdivisions, roads, landfills, and bike paths he built.
Dennis enjoyed many hobbies besides his cars; motorcycling, bowling, drag racing, snowmobiling, deer hunting, darts, gardening, and Lake Michigan fishing. Besides his hobbies, he enjoyed watching NHRA, NASCAR, and RC boat racing. All the while, he had a passion for food.
He was a past board member of the 5th Street Yacht Club and a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.
Dennis will be deeply missed by his loving children: Kimberely Arbour, Amber Mordja, Candy Sue Jackson, Dennis (Gina) Mordja, Jr., and Matthew (Pamela) Mordja; his cherished grandchildren including 1 granddaughter and 10 grandsons; 2 great-granddaughters and 4 great-grandsons; sisters: Jackie Jones and Judy (John) Gabor, sister-in-law, Patricia Amann, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents: Louis Mordja, Sr. and Mildred Mordja, his wife, Connie; brother, Louis Mordja, Jr.; sister, Roxanne Therkelsen; and grandson, Joshua Lang.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Wilson Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of Mass. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on Highway 32.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Timber Oaks in Union Grove, as well as Lisa and Ashley from Aurora Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to Dennis and his family.
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