Dennis L. Baginski, of Antigo, died on September 11, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 75 years old. He was born on October 6, 1947 in Antigo, Wisconsin, a son of Leon "Sam" and Evelyn (Pokrzewinski) Baginski. He married Kathleen Ann Mertens on October 23, 1971 at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Antigo.
A graduate of Antigo High School, class of 1965, Dennis was also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison Farmer's Short Course in 1966.
Dennis served in the United States Army from January 24, 1968 to October 14, 1970. He served in Vietnam from August of 1968 to March of 1970 earning the rank of Army Specialist 5.
He took over the family potato farm in 1984, having operated Riverview Farms until 1997. For over 30 years he was an over-the-road truck driver having worked for Prince Brothers Trucking, Volm Bag Company, and Karl's Transport. As Dennis Baginski Trucking Company he was an owner/operator for Wausau Carriers, Pioneer Transport in Merrill, and B&D Motors in Merrill.
Dennis was a member of SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church, the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 662 of Antigo, lifetime member of the Leland-Tollefson Veterans of Foreign Wars post 2653, Sparks-Doernenburg America Legion Post 3 and the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association.
He enjoyed golfing, bowling, mowing his yard, going to Texas with his wife, breakfast with his friends at Two Angels Family Restaurant, and spending time with his family. He was famous for making homemade potato chips and had his own custom combining business. He had the privilege of going on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2019.
Dennis will be deeply missed by his wife, Kathy; two sons, Bruce (Jody) Baginski and Brian (Hope) Baginski; two grandchildren, Hannah (Justin Maus) Baginski and Gabby Baginski; and two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Anna Maus; a sister, Darlene Anderson; two brothers, David (Bonnie) Baginski and Daniel (Barbara) Baginski all of Antigo; and a sister-in-law, Jean (Mike) Van Boekel. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and mother and father-in-law, Marie and Raymond Mertens.
A funeral Mass will be held on September 16, at 10:30 a.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Military Honors will take place at the church following the Mass.
Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home with Antigo veterans standing honor guard from 4 to 4:30 p.m., a parish wake service will be held at 5:30 p.m. and the Elks Lodge of Sorrow Service will take place at 7 p.m.
Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, 225780 Rib Mountain Drive, #234 Wausau, WI 54401.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dennis L. Baginski, please visit our Tribute Store
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
Darlene, David and Danny,
Thinking of you all today - your mom and dad and the farm you grew up on.
Kathy - so sorry for your loss.
The first time I meet Dennis I knew he was totally different then the other drivers. For instant he would call up Toby (shop manager) here at Pioneer Transportation, and the next thing I knew I was delivering parts for his truck or picking up potato chips for Pioneer Transportation. I would tell him, you owe me big time, but he knew I was joking. It was pleasure and honor to be a friend of Dennis. To me he was one of good people that you don’t always get the chance to share in their life. He will be missed by everybody! Until we meet again...Lynda Smith - Pioneer Transportation, Ltd
Dear Kathy and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Remember the good times and the love you shared. I know the grief doesn't go away but it does ease with time. With sympathy, Kathy (Andres)Boksa
A few years ago when I was house sitting for Bonnie and Dave, Dennis came.To save the day. Dead mouse in the trap I threw a towel on the poor thing, Wrapped it in a plastic bag, placed in a paper bag and hung it outside on a lamp. Dennis came to the rescue. Dennus also like to visit unannounced As ruby and I found out one day. Just got out of the shower and were wrapped in our towels. And who appeared?? It was not Santa. I'll miss you dennis
Couple years ago, what I was house sitting for Bonnie and Dave Dennis came to my rescue,
There was a dead mouse in the trap. I tossed a towel on the poor thing. Wrapped in an plastic bag ., put it in a paper bag and hung it on the light fixture outside. Dennis came and saved the day. Dennis also like to come visit unannounced as ruby and I found out one day. We were having a girl's day just getting out of the shower wrapped in our towels. Who appeared? It was not santa. Dennis was such a sweet man.
So sad to see this. The trucking world lost a good one. We were blessed to have had him at Karl’s. Not only could he drive a truck like a pro, he made the best homemade potato chips ever! Love and prayers to all of you.
Karl and Jil and all of us @ Karl’s
Brian, Hope and family~ we are so sorry for your loss. Praying your many memories help you through this difficult time. Love and prayers, Bubba and Beth
A great memory with Dennis is fishing on Lake Winnibigoshish. He's the only guy I ever knew who successfully navigated around that lake with 2 wheel drive and chains. We always had a great time with Dennis! Thank you for the memories Dennis!
Aunt Kathy-
We were saddened to learn of Uncle Dennis’ hospital time and eventual passing. We have many fun memories of Dennis. We keep all of you including Bruce and Brian and their families in our prayers.
Love to you all-
Tom and Pam Van Boekel
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