Denny was a truly special guy, dedicated in his brief life to the well-being of others. First as a devoted husband to Carla, father to son Jimmy, and as a loyal and devoted son and sibling.  He clearly made his mark in this world through his kindness toward others, never hesitating to give of himself for the benefit of someone else.

With a great deal of enthusiasm and determination, Denny and Carla established the Reynolds Group Home, which already had functioned for several years as the Weeks Group Home.  They went on to build their own reputation and legacy as a very successful program for adolescents and families.

After several years of success and incorporation as Marathon Youth Services, a second group home was opened to expand on the MYS program. Shortly thereafter, tragedy struck.   In late summer of 1994, Denny was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer .  Three months later he died.

Through the dedication of family, staff and friends, the memory of Denny Reynolds lives on in the day to day services provided by his legacy.  He will forever be fondly remembered and respected by all who knew him.

The management and staff of  MYS dedicate themselves to the memory of Denny and all he stood for. We will continue to strive to meet the standards set by him in his tenure as founder and director of Marathon Youth Services, Inc.

As good fortune would have it, a former foster child of Denny and Carla Reynolds has recently consented
to having a previously written letter about them placed on this page.  Thank you so much Adrienne for sharing.

Letter to the editor published December 24th, 1994
Written by Adrienne Coe

On November 19th, I lost a very important person in my life. My foster Dad, Denny Reynolds, passed away from cancer.
I would like to share with the community the contributions that both he and my foster mom Carla have made to the lives of many troubled youth in the Wausau area.
For years, Denny and Carla have opened their hearts and homes to many children. To them, every child is as precious as their own. They have gone above and beyond what they have been trained to do. They have been a source of comfort and support for all of their foster children. They have been our friends and mentors. They have taught us to take responsibility for our actions, and how to live happy and productive lives.
Sometime ago, I gave Denny and Carla a tape with the song “wind beneath my wings” on it. I felt it expresses best what they have been to so many kids.
In the song there is a line that says, “you were content to let me shine, you always walked a step behind”. And that is just what Denny and Carla did. When we would accomplish a goal that we set for ourselves, Denny and Carla patted us on the back and said, “I’m proud of you.” They never expected any credit, even though without them we probably wouldn’t have done it.
There is another line that says, “Did you ever know that you’re my hero, and everything I’d like to be.”
To me Denny and Carla are the perfect example of what every parent and person should be. In spite of troubles in their own lives, and the stress of handling all of us, they were always there.
They have been firm but fair, honest, sincere, loving and understanding. They are strong and giving, and they have handled everything in their lives with grace and dignity. They have always had faith in us.
And for that they deserve praise, respect and honor.
I know that if I can live my life to the standards, morals and values that they have shown me, I will have all I ever dreamed of.
With the holiday season here, I am giving thanks for being blessed with their love.
I will miss Denny greatly, and this Christmas I have placed an angel on my tree in his memory.
It represents all that he is and was.
Thank you Denny and Carla for all that you have done. You are remembered with great admiration and love.
And I know that “I can fly higher then an eagle, for you are the wind beneath my wings.”