Denver D. Heal

Denver Duane Heal, 90, of Onalaska WI, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on May 15, 2023 at home. He was born January 25, 1933, in Desoto, WI to Denver & Marie (Grim) Heal.

He is survived by his loving wife Jackie of over 68 years, his children Mary Berger, Mark (Beth), Richard (Kimberly), John (Marlene), and Tom, daughter-in-law, Suanne Kraft. He is further survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Brother Jack (Cindy) of Lodi, WI, and sisters Donna of Viola, WI, and Judy (Charles) of Beaver Dam, WI.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael, grandson Adam Berger, his son-in-law, Tom Berger, his parents and sister and brother-in-law, Dick and Darlene Johannesen.

Denver graduated from Viola High School in 1950. Denver worked for his father at their Mobil Gas Station in Viola, WI, up to his 18th birthday and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. Denver proudly served as an Amphibious Tractor Mechanic in the Korean War. Denver was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He served his country from February 1951 through April 1953. Denver has been a proud member of the American Legion for 70 years.

He married his High School sweetheart, Jacqueline (Jackie) Keach on July 24, 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Viroqua WI. They resided in Viroqua, WI, where Denver served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department from 1954 – 1961.

Denver and Jackie moved to La Crosse, WI, in 1961 where he worked at Equifax as an Insurance Inspector until his retirement.

Denver was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing and spending time at the family cabin in Drummond, WI. Denver and Jackie were long term members of Blessed Sacrament Parrish where their six children attended school. Denver also loved golfing and was a member of Virgil’s Wednesday Night Golf League for many years.

At the family’s request, a private ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association.