A lifelong Merton resident, Dennis W. Dibble passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the age of 61. He was born on April 24, 1965, to Donald and Claudia (nee Wallich) Dibble and graduated from Arrowhead High School with the Class of 1984. 

Dennis believed in a hard day’s work and spent his entire life working with his hands. He got his start at Merton Lumber, his parents’ business, where he worked in the lumberyard and became a friendly and familiar face to customers and members in the community. He later spent several years at Stock Lumber before moving into manufacturing, where his mechanical ability and attention to detail served him well in a variety of roles, including as a CNC operator. At the time of his death, Dennis worked at GWS Tool Group in North Lake, Wisconsin. 

Quiet and private by nature, Dennis often surprised those who knew him with his sense of humor and a perfectly timed practical joke. He loved being outdoors, especially turkey hunting. In his spare time, he could often be found woodworking, tinkering with a project, or fixing just about anything that needed repair. Dennis loved his tools, knew how to use them, and was always willing to put them — and his talents — to work helping someone else. If something needed fixing, Dennis was often the person you called. 

His sudden and tragic passing has left an immeasurable void for those who loved him. His absence is already deeply felt in all the places and everyday moments where Dennis simply should be. 

Dennis leaves behind his parents, Donald and Claudia Dibble; sister, Karen (Brian) Barker; nephew, Brandon (Hilary) Smith; niece, Sadie (John) Aldinger; great-nephew, Samuel Aldinger; and uncle, Roger (Karen) Dibble, along with other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his uncle and aunt, Irvin “Buddy” and Shirley Dibble; and his aunt, Mary Sodergren. 

The visitation for Dennis will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 11:00AM until the time of the funeral service at 1:00PM at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Sussex. Burial will immediately follow at Lisbon-Merton Union Cemetery in Merton. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a trust being established for Dennis’s great-nephew, Sam, who held a very special place in his heart. Helping others was simply part of who Dennis was. Through this trust, Dennis can continue to make a difference in Sam’s life for years to come. In sharing Sam’s story, the family also hopes to encourage greater understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism.