Reynold H. “Spider” Denny, Sr., 73, Oneida, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, October 20, 2017. The son of Sunrise and Sarah (House) Denny was born August 22, 1944.
Spider grew up in Milwaukee and was a two time Illinois State Amateur Boxing Champion for the Welterweight Division. He also won the Milwaukee Area Golden Gloves Middleweight Champion in 1966.
He went on to box professionally in the Midwest for years, and trained many Golden Glove Champions for ACE Boxing.
Spider was a strong advocate for the American Indian Movement in the 1970s. He helped start Indian Community School in Milwaukee, Indian Urban Affairs Council of Milwaukee, the Indian Health Board and the Milwaukee Area American Indian Manpower Council.
He was a published writer, known for his public speaking and influenced many lives in the Milwaukee area.
Spider was a lifelong Wisconsin sports fan, especially the Packers. He was a Milwaukee area billiards champion and loved to throw darts and play cards.
More than anything, he loved his family. All of his children loved going to movies with him. The kids learned to respect Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra and 50s doo wop. He was his family’s protector and he taught lessons well.
Spider is survived by his children, Sunrise Denny, Oneida, Elizabeth (Robb Winfield), Virginia Beach, Virginia, Reynold Jr. (Bernadette) Denny, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Thurston (Lisa Liggins) Denny, Oneida, Hudson (Heather Lee) Denny, Green Bay, Shannon Bowman, Milwaukee and Barbara Denny, Anchorage, Alaska.
He is further survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his sister Marvel Denny, California. He is even further survived by many nieces, nephews and other members of his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sunrise and Sarah, siblings Eldon, Gordon and Jeri, and granddaughter Reynell, as well as other extended family members.
Family and friends may visit at the Oneida Nation Longhouse, W923 Reformatory Road, Seymour from 8:00 AM to noon on Monday, October 23, 2017.
The Oneida Hymn Singers will perform at 11:30 AM with prayers to follow at noon. Burial will take place at Oneida Sacred Burial Grounds.
Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the Denny Family. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Anna John Resident Centered Care Community, as well as the family and friends who have shown support to the family.
