Dennis Brion

Dennis Gordon Brion, age 76, a lifelong resident of Mondovi, Wisconsin passed away at his home on Saturday, September 16, 2023, surrounded by his family.  He was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven following a battle with Agent Orange-induced prostate cancer.  

He was born the third of five boys to Gordon and Myrtle (Bjorgo) Brion on October 4, 1946, in Mondovi, Wisconsin.  Throughout his teenage years, he worked at Berg’s Drug Store and the Buffalo County Highway Department. He graduated in 1964 from Mondovi High School and started the electronics technician program at Chippewa Valley Technical College.  He paused his education for two years to cover his father’s milk route following Gordon’s stroke, later returning, and graduating in 1968.

He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Alyce (Cook) on July 27, 1968. Four months later, he enlisted in the US Navy, completing boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center and survival training at Coronado Island.  He was then deployed to the US Naval Support Activity, Electronics Repair, Camp Tenshaw, DaNang, Vietnam in March 1969. He flew up and down the I-Corps tactical zone, maintaining electronic communications equipment. It was there that he met a Navy comrade, Mike Crampton, forming a long-time special friendship. In May 1970, he was stationed in Rota, Spain where he worked on maintaining the tactical air navigation system. Mary later joined him there, where they lived for two and a half years. While there, they were able to spend time traveling throughout Europe.

Dennis and Mary returned to civilian life in Mondovi in December 1972. In 1973, he bought out George Weiss TV Repair and started Mondovi TV. One year later, his brother Richard joined him in business and together, they formed Mondovi TV & Appliance. They had many loyal customers and friends in Buffalo County and the surrounding area.  Dennis and Richard remained in business for 38 years until their retirement in 2011. After Mary’s retirement in 2013, they enjoyed traveling and spent time each winter in Orange Beach, Alabama.

He was heavily involved in the Mondovi Community, serving on the Mondovi Fire Department for 50 years, and was best known as “Chief” for 26 years. He was the past President of the Buffalo County Fire Chief’s Association. Dennis was honored as the Mondovi Citizen of the Year in 1999. He was a long-time member of the Mondovi Lion’s Club, Mondovi VFW Post 6711, and the Mondovi American Legion Post 154.  Dennis was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Mondovi where he served in many positions over the years.

Dennis could often be found on a lake or river, fishing with his sons or brothers. He loved his family more than anything, was proud of his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed going to their sporting events. He was happiest just being together as a family.

Dennis is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 55 years, Mary; his children, Tony (Dena) Brion, Kirk (Shauna) Brion, and Kayla (Tyler) Jones; his grandchildren, Bailey and Sydney Navoichick, Laken, Leif, and Braea Brion, Seaver and Arlo Jones.  He was looking forward to the birth of another granddaughter, baby Jones, at the end of September. He leaves behind his faithful canine companion, Nala.

He is further survived by brothers, Gary (Jerilyn), Richard (Bev), and Floyd (Anne) Brion, sisters-in-law Cindy Brion and Maxine Cook, brother-in-law Jack Cook, along with many nieces, nephews, and long-time friends.

Dennis was met at Heaven’s gates by his parents; in-laws, James and Margaret Cook; infant granddaughter, Peri Alyce Jones; brother, Randy Brion; brother-in-law, Robert Cook; and several dogs that he so lovingly spoiled over the years: Peanut, Tippy, Shasta, and Zoey.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mondovi with Pastor Scott Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the church on Saturday.   Inurnment, with full military honors, will take place at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, WI 

Talbot Funeral Home of Mondovi, Wisconsin is assisting the family with arrangements.

Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice, Pastor Scott Johnson, and Dr. Naqvi and his team at Marshfield Clinic for their loving care of Dennis in his final weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Zion Lutheran Church’s Building Fund.