Dennis Roy Sauberlich, age 93, of Appleton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Theda Clark Regional Medical Center. Dennis was born June 19, 1933, to Roy and Linda (Panzer) Sauberlich in Appleton, Wisconsin. He attended school through the 8th grade, after which he worked on the family farm after the passing of his father. Dennis married Geraldine Thompson on June 9, 1956, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, and they celebrated 56 years together.

As a skilled carpenter by trade, Dennis worked primarily in the Fox Valley for various construction companies, including his own, D&D Construction. He completed his career after a long tenure with Gassner Construction in Hortonville. In semi-retirement, Dennis worked for Mader Cabinets in Kaukauna. Beyond work, Dennis's love of animals was evident in the many that became his companions and in his volunteer work at the animal rescues Saving Paws and Chances.

Dennis built several homes for his family as the children grew up, including the cottage at White Lake near Weyauwega, where everyone spent time together fishing, swimming, and gathering with extended family and friends. An important annual event for Dennis was raising money for the White Lake Preservation Association at the Iola Car Show; every summer for over 25 years, he flipped burgers and brats at the WLPA stand with his kids and grandkids by his side. It brought Dennis much happiness that the cottage continues to be enjoyed by family.

Dennis was active in life and in his faith. He played fastpitch softball as a catcher for Zion Lutheran Church and played slowpitch ball into his 60s. Dennis and Gerry bowled in couples leagues at a variety of lanes in the Valley and inspired their children to also take up the sport. Dennis was most recently a member of Prince of Peace Church in Appleton. Prior to that, he was very active at Zion Lutheran and Our Redeemer Lutheran Churches as a choir member and usher.

Dennis will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was steadfast in his devotion to family. He regularly asked about and attended many of his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's activities and important events. He will be greatly missed for his kind, caring nature and unconditional love.

Dennis is survived by his children Susan Burroughs, Peter (Stacy) Sauberlich, Richard (Lois) Sauberlich, and Mary (Ron) Vandenheuvel; grandchildren Amy (Chris) Burroughs, Shelly Burroughs, Bryanne Sauberlich, Mehgan (Tyler) Hoertsch, Spencer (Ashley) Sauberlich, Kelsie Sauberlich, Madison (Dominick) Sauberlich, Sara (Dan) Martell, Aidan Sauberlich, Amber (Mat) Smith, Kimberly (Ben) Ziegler, and Lindsay (Alec) Vandenheuvel; and great-grandchildren Hannah, Blake, Macaira, Emma, Lillian, Wyatt, Oliver, Ava, Elowyn, Baylor, Miles, Jo Ann, Bennett, Connor, Khloe, Easton, and Remington. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, wife Geraldine, sisters-in-law Dorothy Verstegen, Elaine Paroubek, and Ruth Weyenberg, son-in-law David Burroughs, and nephews Keith Paroubek, Duane Katke, and Troy Katke.

A private family service will be held. A celebration of Dennis's life will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Tanner's in Kimberly. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the White Lake Preservation Association and Saving Paws .