Dennis McQuade

"I was born Dennis Butts on August 9, 1946 in Madison, WI. In 1976, I changed my last name to McQuade, which was my Irish great-grandmother’s name. I grew up on the near east side, attended St. Bernard’s grade school and graduated from East High School in 1964. A year later, I was drafted into the army and spent 53 weeks in Vietnam with the Fourth and Ninth Infantry Divisions.

After my discharge, I worked at Oscar Mayer’s in the research department for three years. Then I enrolled in the UW Madison on the G.I Bill and graduated with a B.A. and Master's Degree in Social Work. One summer during school, I did volunteer work in Mississippi that included repairing and painting houses, connecting people to medical care and building a playground. I also worked as an advisor to Special Students at UW Madison in the mid 1970s. Then I started my 30 year career at Dane County Human Services. I worked for the Dane County Aging Program where I helped plan and organize the Community Options and Elder Abuse Prevention and Intervention programs. Later, I worked in Dane County’s Child Protection and Joining Forces for Families programs. I was proud of being known as a strong advocate of self determination for families and the elderly.

Outside of work, I was active in the anti-war movement as a member of Veteran’s for Peace and Vietnam Veteran’s Against the War (V.V.A.W.). In 1971, I helped organize V.V.A.W.’s Dewey Canyon III demonstration in Washington D.C. against the war. I also testified at the Winter Soldier hearings that investigated war crimes in Vietnam. Both events were significant in bringing an end to the Vietnam War. I remained an anti-war activist for the rest of my life as well as becoming a fierce advocate for social justice.

The cornerstone of my life was always my family. My wife Carol was the love of my life, and my two sons, Miguel and Beto, were my pride and joy. We had many adventures traveling across the U.S. and Mexico. In my lifetime, I traveled to 49 states and more than 35 foreign countries. Over 27 years, I had four dogs, Reggie, Sammie, Chewie and Zoe. I enjoyed taking them on long walks in the Marquette neighborhood. I loved dancing, listening to music, taking pictures and videos, and exercising. I even met my wife Carol while jogging in the neighborhood.”

Dennis wrote this obituary 14 years ago. He passed away on June 1, 2026 from Alzheimers disease. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carol, and his sons Beto and Miguel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Doris Butts.

A private celebration of life is planned at Dennis’s favorite state park.

Slipping Away

by Rick Larson (Dennis’s friend since 8th grade)

I’m sorry to see you leave my friend

while you’re sitting in that chair

I guess your mind stopped working

and I know life isn’t fair

For years, we traveled life’s highway

We laughed and fought and played

Now I’m on the road alone

I wish you could’ve stayed

I’m glad you seem contented

In that dreamland where you live

But I miss your company my friend

And all the things we did

Are you in a beautiful meadow

with flowers, trees and lakes

I hope it’s peaceful there, my friend

with ice cream and chocolate cake

Sometimes life can be so cruel

and steal you memory away

you were the unlucky one, my friend

the loser in the fray

So farewell my lifelong pal

as your sunsets in the west

and you fly off to another place

I wish you the very best