McCarville, Dennis Lee

Dennis Lee McCarville, age 77, of rural Mineral Point/Hollandale, passed away Friday afternoon, May 30, 2025, after an ATV accident while doing what he always did — taking care of the land he loved (and probably muttering to himself about how nobody else could do it right).

Born March 5, 1948, in Dodgeville to LaVerne Thomas and Muriel Jean (Ferrell) McCarville, Dennis — or “Denny” to just about everyone — grew up on the family farm. He learned hard work early, and never quite figured out how to stop. He milked cows, worked horses, baled hay, fixed what was broken, and even fixed what wasn’t — just to make sure it didn’t break. He was never one to sit still unless it was to talk to a neighbor or watch the news while grumbling about politicians.

He attended Woodlawn Rural School through 8th grade and graduated from high school in Hollandale. He married Vicki Peterson on November 7, 1969, and they raised four children together while living on his grandparents’ farm — the same land he cared for his entire life.

After retiring from milking cows in the early 2000s, Denny stayed busy by working alongside his son Shawn on the farm. But just being “retired” wasn’t his style. He spent over 35 years as a farrier, trimming hooves and shoeing horses. He often said he didn’t care much for some of those horses — in fact, a few of them tried to kill him — but he sure loved their owners. They became extended family to him, and he always made time to help them, even when his body told him he shouldn’t.

Later in life, Denny hit the jackpot when he met Jane Kicmol, his “better half,” and the feeling was mutual. For over 25 years, they were each other’s rock. They laughed a lot, weathered life’s storms side by side, and were never shy to say how lucky they felt to have found one another — even if Denny would grumble when Jane made him go to town or clean-up for company. Their bond was full of love, sarcasm, and shared joy in life’s little moments — like coffee, chores, and country drives with no real destination.

Denny had a deep love for hunting — bear, coyote, raccoon — the bigger or meaner, the better. He lived for the thrill of the chase, the teamwork with his buddies, and the storytelling afterward. If there were laughs to be had around a campfire or tailgate, Denny was in the middle of it, probably giving someone a hard time in the most endearing way possible.

He had a sharp wit and a heart of gold. He’d do anything for a neighbor, never asked for credit, and wasn’t big on fuss. His favorite phrase was “It is what it is” — and he meant it. He didn’t care much for drama or nonsense, and he didn’t waste time on things that didn’t matter. But when it came to people, especially his family, his farrier clients, and his friends — he showed up, gave you his full attention, and left you feeling better just for knowing him.

And when it came to his dogs, they could get away with almost anything. Maggie, Reggie and Josie will surely miss him, too. (Because now they’ll have to mind.)

He’s survived by his beloved Jane Kicmol of rural Mineral Point — the one who mellowed him out (some), made his life sweeter, and occasionally told him to stop being so stubborn.

His four children: Shawn McCarville of Blanchardville, Stacy (Trent) Pilling of Mineral Point, Tori (Shane) Carey of Mineral Point and Melissa (Mike) Schieble of Pewaukee.

Jane’s children: Jessey (Josh) Lange, Becky (Eric) Merka, and Jamie (Matt) Skaife.

His grandchildren: Kaleb and Faith Pilling; Caden, Colbi, Cylin, and Cambrey Carey; Ross and Luke Schieble.

Jane’s grandchildren: Carson and Nolan Kicmol, Cutter and Branden Lange, Jaxon and Griffyn Merka, Braden, Pearl Ann, Lucille, and Jolene Skaife.

Jane’s great-grandchildren: Oliver Kicmol and Octavia Lange.

He also leaves behind his siblings: Chris (John) Berthelsen, Mary Venden, Sue (Dennis) Hammond, Murt Gruenenfelder, Mike (Barb) McCarville, Kate (Jeff) Hendrickson, Cyndi (Denny) Nafzger, and Amy Sarbacker — all of whom likely have a few hilarious Denny stories they’re not ready to tell in front of the grandkids.

Not to mention the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a slew of GOOD neighbors he left behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother, Patrick; and a granddaughter, Kylie Pilling.

Denny’s legacy is one of grit, laughter, loyalty, and deep-down kindness. He didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve, but if you knew him, you knew he’d do anything for you — whether it was fixing your tractor, pulling you out of the ditch, or giving you a dose of the blunt truth.

He was the kind of guy who'd rather show up than show off. And he did — again and again, for so many people. He’ll be missed deeply and remembered fondly — especially when someone says something smart and someone else mutters, “It is what it is.”

Now, Denny said he wanted a BIG party for his friends and family when "the time came." So, please join our Celebration of Life at the Happy Barn. Check his event page for the date, time, address and band announcement, coming soon! And, please share your photos, too:

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Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can also be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com.