SPARTA-Denise Renee Gray, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2024, at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse, with her daughter by her side. Born in Sparta, WI, Denise touched the lives of all who knew her with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. Her warmth and spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Denise Renee Gray grew up in Angelo, Wisconsin with her parents and two brothers. After graduating from Sparta High School, Denise entered the workforce, spending over 10 years at Northern Engraving in the shipping office, before transitioning to Fort McCoy in 1987, where she worked as a Financial Management Specialist in the disbursing and civilian payroll office. It was during this time, in 1985, that Denise met her former husband, Dan Gray. Together, they spent many years creating lasting memories and raising their daughter, Stephanie.
Denise’s passions extended far beyond her professional life, after retiring in October of 2020 Denise was able to spend time doing the things she enjoyed. She had a special love for rummage sales and thrifting, always seeking hidden treasures. She loved spending her spare time reading, attending Bible study, and enjoying movies. But what mattered most to Denise was her family—especially her daughter, Stephanie, and her granddaughter, Eleanor, who were the light of her life.
Denise’s heart was as big as they come. She was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 100 and was deeply involved in her community, including serving as the 4-H leader for over 10 years. Denise was a woman who gave so much of herself—she listened with a kind and understanding heart, always there to offer a compassionate word or a helping hand.
Denise is survived by her former husband, Dan Gray, her beloved daughter, Stephanie (Gray) Spohn, and son-in-law, Matthew Spohn; her cherished granddaughter, Eleanor Spohn; her two brothers, Todd Bowen (Kim Bowen) and Joel Bowen; and her devoted mother, Delores Bowen. She is also survived Bev Treu, who was an important part of Denise’s life. Denise is further survived by her nieces, Olivia Sanders (Scott Sanders III) and Erika Petrie (Jordan Petrie), and her nephew, Lee Shipley (Kristin Shipley), along with her great nieces and nephews, Oliver Sanders, Danielle Shipley, and Alexander Shipley.
Denise was preceded in death by her father, Robert Bowen, and her grandparents, Lester Bowen, Belinde (Severson) Bowen, Wenzel Ott, and Gertrude (Stetzer) Ott.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta, with Reverend Josh Buzbee officiating. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Post 100, Sparta.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
