Dennis (Buz) Eugene Preston, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, July 23,2025.
Dennis was born on October 20, 1947, in Baldwin, Wisconsin to parents Donald and Shirley Preston. He attended school in the Baldwin-Woodville school district. Dennis met his wife Carol Cunningham at a dance in New Richmond. They were married on October 29, 1966. To this union two children were born, daughter Stacey and son Brad.
Dennis lived most of his life in the Baldwin/Woodville area. He was drafted into the Army and served from August 1967 to August 1969 in the Vietnam War. Upon his return home, Dennis went to work at Eggen’s Supermarket as a meat cutter. Over the years he worked for both Conrad’s Auto Salvage in Baldwin and Kadinger Auto Salvage in Downing. After leaving the auto salvage business, he went onto work at Donaldson’s in Baldwin where he ultimately retired from.
Dennis was a devoted NASCAR fan. He was dutifully in his favorite comfy chair every Saturday and Sunday during the racing season. He even got the chance to attend a few races in person at Michigan International Speedway. His tickets were handed down to Stacey and her husband Scott who eventually also brought their two boys to wrap up a three-generation experience. He also was a fan and shareowner of the Green Bay Packers. If he couldn’t watch them on tv, he would listen to them on the radio. Dennis had sports on tv too much if you ever talked with his wife Carol. He was an avid reader of western books, building quite a collection of William Johnstone titles and he could always be found putting puzzles together during the winters.
Preceding Dennis in death was his wife of 58 years, Carol; son Brad; parents Donald and Shirley Preston; sister Suzanne Zimmer, in-laws Arnold and Sue Cunningham; sisters-in-law Audrey Preston and Rita Heideman; nephew Jason Heideman.
Dennis is survived by his daughter Stacey (Scott) Hilmanowske; grandsons Jake Hilmanowske & Evan Hilmanowske (Emilia Rabitoy); brother Dan Preston; brothers-in-law Arnie (Judy) Cunningham, Leon (Sharon) Cunningham, Dennis (Lisa) Cunningham, Richard (Annette) Cunningham, Bob Heideman; sisters-in-law Sharon Cunningham and Pat Cunningham; many nieces and nephews as well as his dog Layla.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 30th, at 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville. Visitation will be from 11am to 1pm at the church with services to follow. Interment will be at Sunset Cemetery in Woodville.
Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, is handling arrangements.
