Dennis James Elsen, of Wichita, died Friday, May 29, 2026, one day after his 73rd birthday, at Specialty Select Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

He was born on May 28, 1953 in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky where his father was stationed in the military. After being discharged from the service, the family moved to Wichita where Dennis graduated from Wichita East High School. He later attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma.

While in high school he met DeEtte S. Smith and they were married on January 4, 1975 in Wichita.

Denny had worked at Cessna Aircraft for 20+ years until he retired.

He loved woodworking, especially making wooden tops and handing them out to children and strangers. He made several executive custom furniture pieces through the years. Denny enjoyed making trinkets for family and friends along with furniture.

He liked to read, go on bicycle rides, play golf, and do crossword puzzles.

Survivors include his wife DeEtte; daughter Katherine E. Elsen; son Timothy J. Elsen and wife Sarah Elsen-Snow; and grandchildren Lydia Elsen, Lennox Godshall, and Isley Elsen all of Wichita.

Dennis is also survived by his mother Zelma Alexander Elsen of Wichita; his father and step-mother Donald Joseph Elsen and June Elsen of Bluejacket, Oklahoma; brothers Thomas Elsen of Little Rock, Arkansas, Ronald Elsen of Niceville, Florida; and sisters Debbie Welch of Pratt and Merrie East of Wichita.

Denny is preceded in death by sons Nicholas Ryan Elsen and Christopher William Elsen along with his sister Sherrie Wynkoop.

Memorial services will be held at Affordable Cremations Plus in Wichita on Monday, June 8 at 2:00 P.M.