Obituary of Dennis Oldham

Dennis was born in Elgin, Illinois on December 14, 1952, the youngest of three children born to Lois and Paul Oldham. He passed away peacefully but unexpectedly at his home in Goodland, Kansas on November 12, 2014, at the age of 61. At a young age Lois and the three kids relocated to Colorado. When Dennis was 11, Lois married Dale Crist and a special bond formed between Dennis and Dale that has remained forever. Dale became Dad to Dennis. He worked with his Mom and Dad, at the Burlington Meat Locker as a skilled butcher & meat cutter. Dennis had a passion for cooking and sharing his food with everyone. If he had his way he would cook for the world. Dennis cooked at the Country Club in his younger years with his best friend Norm Crites. Dennis graduated from Burlington High School in 1972. He stayed in contact with many of his friends from his school years. Dennis was always willing to help anyone at any time. At a very young age he showed a great compassion of caring for the elderly. He would go visiting, taking along food that he had cooked for them. Neighbors and friends in the nursing home and the rest home all benefited from his generosity. On May 7, 1977 he married the love of his life, Regina Whipple in Burlington, Colorado at St. Catherine Catholic Church. Regina and Dennis made their home in the house Dennis fell in love with as a child; they enjoyed over 30 years living there. Dennis was a kind and patient Dad to his two daughters, Hailey Dawn born August 28, 1981, and Rachel Etiennette born November 20, 1984, forming a bond with them that only a Dad can have. Dennis would often say my son in law; Zeb keeps me on my toes with his jokes and pranks. It was the highlight of his life when he became a Dad but the day he became Papa he was filled with such love and joy he thought there was not a greater gift. The bond he and his grandson Brayden share will be forever. Brayden was the sunshine of his day. Dennis and Brayden also shared a love for animals, cats & chickens, but specifically rescue dogs. His animals meant so much to him. He often said “My dogs sure do love me & they don't talk back.” Then he would have a good laugh. Dennis had a wonderful sense of humor. Brayden taught Papa the adventure of the I-pad; they spent many hours surfing together on You Tube and following family and friends on Face book. In 2008 Dennis and Regina moved to Goodland KS so they could be closer to Regina's work and to Rachel and her family. In the last several years Rachel and Dennis took care of each other, as they each had their own health problems. Six months ago Dennis and Regina made one more move when the moved to Rachel and Zeb's farm, near Goodland Ks. Dennis had a joyful, busy life filled with love of his friends and family. Family meant everything to Him. You didn't have to be related to be considered family to Dennis as he was an "honorary member" of the Crites, Ball families, and Deb Knox. The Crites, Ball families, and Deb Knox were an important part of Dennis's life. Dennis never meant a stranger it was just a friend he hadn't yet made. Dennis’ older sister and brother called him “Dennis the menace”. So when he started grade school the teacher asked him his name and of course he replied with Dennis the menace Oldham. Needless to say they had to call his mother to find out what his middle name was. Dennis loved to cook and of course his chili peppers! Most kids would buy candy with their money. Not Dennis! He would buy a Jar of cherry peppers and eat them on the way home. Dennis never cooked a small pot of anything so he could share with others! Dennis will be greatly missed by his wife, Regina of Goodland, KS, his daughter Hailey of Grand Junction, Colorado, his daughter Rachel and husband Zeb and their son Brayden of Goodland, KS. He will also be greatly missed by his Dad, Dale Crist of Burlington CO, His sister Linda (Daryl) Wolfrum of Grand Junction Co., nieces Kim(Phil) Soukup and children, Kristy(Clinton) Tougaw and children all of Grand Junction Co,. Nephew Bryan Oldham of Flagler CO, and sister-in-law LuAnn (Jerry) Lucas of Burlington CO. Surviving also are his brothers and sisters-in-laws: Gladys Whipple, David(Gabi) Whipple, Stephen (Cheryl) Whipple, Gerald Whipple, Dolores (Jim) Gallentine, Clifford Whipple, Nonie (Scott) Winslow, Kim (Wayne) Armbrister, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Dennis joins those that preceded him, his mother Lois, brother Larry, nephews Brent Oldham and Loyd Whipple, Mother & Father in-law Forrest and Regina Whipple, and his grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, and his best friend Norm Crites, and Val had a Pepsi waiting to share with him. He will be missed greatly by his honorary grandchildren Jaden, Axel, Kinley Mayfield, Jett and Brite Craven.