Dennis G. Bhirdo

Dennis George Bhirdo, (aka Uncle Denny) 88, Liberty Grove, passed away on December 20, 2025. He was born February 20, 1937, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to George and Hattie (Koessl) Bhirdo.

Dennis was a special man, quiet, kind, loving, with unwavering integrity, a wonderful sense of humor, and always quick with a wisecrack. He was helpful to anyone who asked, almost to a fault. He didn't know the word no. He had a sweet smile and was an amazing father and grandfather, known to his family as Papa. We were all blessed because of him. One of our family's favorite things about him was his crock pickles, they were by far our favorite and we looked forward to him making them every year.

Dennis grew up in Baileys Harbor and as a young boy he picked cherries for Arnie Schultz for 20 cents a pail. At the age of 16, he dropped out of high school to work full time on the family farm. To supplement his income, he worked in the fall for the Ermanetta Orchard in Ephraim, where he picked 100 bushels of apples in an eight-hour day, for 20 cents a bushel.

In 1956, he became a Merchant Marine and worked on the S.S. Reiss Brothers cargo ship, a division of the Reiss Steamship Company. He travelled from Green Bay to Lake Superior and back transporting iron ore and coal. While in the port of Green Bay, he would make quick trips home while the ship was being unloaded for a visit with family and friends.

In 1959, he was drafted into the Army. He began his basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado. He then was transferred to Fort Sill, in Oklahoma for artillery training with Howitzer guns, and then onto Fort Meyer, Virginia in Base Company C. One of his fondest memories during his service was on January 20th, 1961, when he marched in John F. Kennedy's inaugural parade.

It was in Washington D.C. where he met Susan, the love of his life, at a Top's drive-in restaurant. After being discharged in 1962, he and Susan were married on May 12th in Beloit, Wisconsin. They moved to Chicago to begin their new life where Dennis started working for the FD Farnam Company, making cardboard boxes and sweeping for $1.50 an hour.

Later that year he was hired by Woolworth's to do small construction jobs in the stores, making displays and building cabinets. The following year, in 1963, at the urging of Susan's uncle, he transitioned into being a carpenter and was hired by R&D Thiel Construction. He had a knack for building, and became a foreman within a couple years, but roofing was his favorite. He told the story that he was able to carry 5 sheets of 5/8" yellow pine tongue and groove plywood at once. For those who don't believe, just ask his brother-in-law Terry, he will verify the story. In the early 70's he ventured out on his own and started his own company, 4B Construction, named after his family of 4.

He always wanted to move back home to the country, and in 1976, Susan begrudgingly agreed. They purchased Sister Bay Oil Company at the corner of Hwy 57 and County Q, where Dennis drove the delivery truck, and he started Bhirdo Enterprises, a construction company, building throughout northern Door County. His crew included Bob Jischke, Lynn Charney, Ron "Beno" Daubner, Terry "Angus" Stenzel, Neil Anderson, and during the summers his nephew Keith Anderson. One thing that everyone can agree on is that Dennis was a hard worker.

Dennis loved playing cards, cribbage, hearts, poker, it didn't matter what the game was. He was happy with a diet cola in one hand and a deck of cards in the other. When he was driving the gas truck, making deliveries, you would often find the gas truck at the Sister Bay Bowl. There you could find him playing hearts with all the old timers, Al Johnson, Al Brandt, Darrell "Barky" Anderson ", Gary "Belgie" Willems, Charlie Clemensen, Dean Champeau, Dick Burress, Dick Daubner, and Speck Nelson. Susan regularly interrupted the games looking for him, either to give him a message of a new delivery or just wondering why he wasn't home yet. (We can assume that the card game ran long).

After purchasing Sister Bay Oil, it seemed that the fuel business started to run through his veins. He and Susan purchased and sold multiple gas stations through the years, Clayton & Gene's in Baileys Harbor, D&M Texaco in Ephraim, Bhirdo's in Sister Bay, and Ephraim 76 in Ephraim. All but the Sister Bay station has been torn down and turned into open spaces with views of the water.

Although he and Susan sold the business to their daughters in 2001, Dennis could always be seen around the station, helping out until the last few months of his life.

Dennis is survived by his daughters, Denise and Michele; granddaughters, Jordan, Payton and husband Matt; brother-in-law, Terry Lindenberg; sister, Patricia Strege; brother Michael; nephews, Brad Lindenberg, Tony Gorham, Gary Anderson, Kevin Anderson, Keith Anderson, Steve Anderson, Michael Strege; nieces, Kelly Ewaskowitz, Stephanie Lundquist, Maria Moran, and Christy Hershman.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; parents; son in law, Randy Pluff; sister-in-law, Christine Lindenberg; sister, Eileen Anderson; nephews, Jim Anderson and Wayne Anderson.

Dennis' life will be honored by his family at a later date.

Casperson Funeral Home of Sister Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Dennis may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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