Dennis Wayne Draves

Dennis Wayne Draves, age 72 of Randolph, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at home with family by his side.

Dennis was born on June 2, 1952, in Beloit, Wisconsin, the son of Robert and Beverly (Smith) Draves. He graduated from Beloit Memorial High School, class of 1970 and continued his education at U.W. Stevens Point and U.W. Oshkosh. Dennis was a guidance counselor for Waupun High School for 30 years. While employed there, he was the assistant football coach and head wrestling coach. During the last 12 years of his employment, Dennis was an assistant football coach and assistant wrestling coach at the Markesan High School. Dennis was an avid outdoorsman and spent much of his time pheasant hunting and fishing. He volunteered at the Horicon Marsh conducting wildlife surveys, banding birds and giving tours. Dennis was an advocate for conservation, taking the opportunity to inform the public of the importance of preservation whenever he had the chance. For 6 years, Dennis was also a mentor with a Wisconsin DNR program for young duck and pheasant hunters trying to learn to hunt for the first time. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and participated in the Wounded Warrior Project. Dennis had a deep love of animals, thinking of his dogs not just as his pets, but part of the family.

Dennis is survived by his sister, Judy (Gary) Alexander of Beloit; brother, Scott (Tina) Draves of Madison; uncles and aunts, Gale (Mary) Smith of Beloit, Gary (Nancy) Smith of Stratford; and beloved canine companion, Rita. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nieces, Emily Draves and Mindy Alexander; beloved canine companions, Cory, Casey, Katy, Missy and Maggie.

The family would like to thank special friends Rich, Caleb, and the Stoll family for their comfort and support.

In memory of Dennis, memorials may be directed to Scott Draves for the Markesan High School Wrestling Program.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Markesan Community Funeral Home, 868 North Margaret Street, Markesan WI, 53946.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024, at Milton Lawns Memorial Park, 2200 Milton Ave, Janesville, WI 53545. Burial will follow.