Dennis Francis Mullarkey

Dennis Francis Mullarkey

May 31, 1946 – May 8, 2026

Dennis F. Mullarkey, age 79, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026. 

Dennis was born on May 31, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Manis Walter Mullarkey Sr. and Cathryn Mary Daley Mullarkey. He was the fourth of five children. He graduated from Riverside High School in 1964 and then enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably from 1965 to 1968. He deployed to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 and served his country with courage, honor, and distinction.

Following his military service, Dennis continued his commitment to helping others as a firefighter and paramedic with the Milwaukee Fire Department, serving from 1973 until his retirement in 1996.

As a proud veteran, Dennis was a longtime member of the American Legion Alonzo Cudworth Post No. 23 and served as Post Commander from 1991 to 1992. At the time, it was the largest American Legion post in Wisconsin, with approximately 2,200 members. He was deeply committed to his fellow veterans and dedicated to welcoming new members, especially those who served during the Vietnam era.

In his later years, Dennis made his home in Sturgeon Bay, where he spent several years as an on-call relief bridge tender for the Sturgeon Bay Canal drawbridges.

Dennis enjoyed biking, cooking, and baking cheesecakes, which he loved to share. He especially treasured time spent with family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, and the wit for which he was well known.

Dennis was the devoted husband of Susan Mullarkey for 36 years; loving father of Cathleen (Daniel) Merget, Sean Mullarkey, Tadd Mullarkey, and Ciaren Mullarkey; proud grandfather of Alyssa (Jesse) Hafert, Brodie Mullarkey, Braeden Merget, Kellen Mullarkey, Emery Mullarkey, Noah Mullarkey, and Callum Mullarkey; and great-grandfather of Beckett, Landon, and Charlotte Hafert. He is further survived by his sister, Cathryn Laumer; brothers, Manis (Sharon) Mullarkey and James (Marie) Mullarkey; sister-in-law, Marie Mullarkey; and Rosalie Mullarkey, former wife and mother of his two oldest children; along with many beloved nephews, nieces, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manis and Cathryn Mullarkey; his brother, John Michael Mullarkey; and his nephew, Michael Christopher Mullarkey.

In lieu of a formal service, we welcome anyone wishing to honor Dennis’s generous and gregarious spirit by donating time or resources to the following organizations:

The American Legion Alonzo Cudworth Post No. 23

The City of Milwaukee Firefighters Relief Association 

Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (The MAACC Fund) 

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal;

Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Dennis leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service.

Fair winds and following seas….

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