Captain Dennis R. Trone
July 18, 1930
May 5, 2008

Captain Dennis Trone was killed Monday in a single engine airplane accident near the Brodhead WI airport.

For his friends in the close knit communities of riverboats and airplanes, the death of Denny means the loss of a great deal of knowledge and experience that can never be replaced.

To me, it means the loss of a dear friend, mentor and hero. Denny was a man of greatness but also of the utmost simplicity and genuineness. His heart always belonged to the underdog and he was generous to a fault, be it with money, his talents or simply his presence. He could be a bit cantankerous, and had no trouble expressing himself especially when championing his business or family, and we loved him for it. I can never repay the debt I owe to him for the kindness and loving support he has shown to Kevin and I over the past 23 years.

There was, no doubt, an unexplained sensation that struck us all last night, before we even heard the news. That is the kind of connection he had with all who's life's he touched. Many blogs have already posted the news of his passing and many people have generously shared their memories.

                        Steamboats.org                   mudcat.org

Denny died, as he would have wanted, in the air, enjoying life with reckless abandon as he always did.

Denny flies on ahead of his loving, faithful and ever supportive wife of many years, Elizabeth (Libby) of Petersburg IL. Four daughters—Janet Trone, Lisa (Dennis) McLaughlin and Sophia Trone of California and Amanda (Paul) Serra of Pennsylvania. One son, Robert (Nancy) of Minnesota.   His grandchildren, Elizabeth and Victoria Serra and Robert and Katie Trone.

Services have not yet been scheduled, but will most likely be held in Rushville IL, the town where he was born and raised. Check back for updated information.


Carrie & Kevin Stier
Carrie.stier@riverboattwilight.com

Now take back the soul of Dennis R Trone, whom You have shared with us. He brought us joy...we loved him well.   
Borrowed from Karen Blixen….Out of Africa