Dennis Kindel

Dennis Kindel was a man of integrity with an incredibly admirable work ethic. He understood the value of hard work and gave his all in everything he did. He cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love and laughter. Dennis was a loving husband, devoted father and proud grandfather, who will be remembered not for the things he did, but for the reason he did them.

1944 was a historically important year for people in the United States and abroad. As Franklin Roosevelt began his second term as President, the Battle of the Bulge started as Germans penetrated the Allied front in Belgium. While the war continued to be waged overseas, for Charles and Sylvia (Coffield) Kindel of St. Johns, Michigan, life was much simpler. Already the proud parents of two sons, on September 26, 1944, they welcomed the birth of their third son, Dennis. Dennis and his two older brothers were eventually joined by one more brother, who completed the Kindel household.

Dennis led a typical childhood of the time. He lived on the family farm in St. Johns until he was 4, and then the family moved to the small town of Perrinton. It was obvious from a young age that Dennis had a fun-loving and mischievous nature that got him into his fair share of mayhem growing up. At 4, he had already smoked his first cigarette under the front porch. School was not Dennis’ favorite part of the day, but playing sports, especially baseball, was. He attended Perrinton elementary school, and completed his education at Fulton middle and high school. Dennis was never short of friends in school, and they shared many of the same interests – drag racing and fast cars.

It was while in high school that Dennis met the love of his life, Nancy Elliott. They dated for a couple of years, and spent time hanging out with their friends, going drag racing and smoking cigarettes. Being a racer, Dennis had the coolest race car with the loudest drag pipes ever, so every time he went to pick Nancy up for a date, her parents’ house shook from the vibrations, rattling her father’s TV and his nerves. Then one special night, Dennis showed up in a spiffy 1958 two door hard top sedan and asked Nancy to be his wife. The two were happily married on April 26, 1965, in Maple Rapids, and were blessed with two sons, Norm and Dion.

Dennis loved his family and worked hard to support them. He judged himself by his hard work ethic and dedication which were demonstrated in his work at Fisher Body for 34 years. During this time, he and his brother, Marlin, started a business venture together as partners in Kindel Brothers Milk Hauling. Since Dennis started driving a milk truck at the age of 13, this job was second nature to him.

Dennis wasn’t all work and no play though. He and Nancy enjoyed camping with their boys, and Dennis taught them how to deer hunt. Later on, after Dennis retired from Fisher Body, he and Nancy stayed active as avid bikers, and enjoyed taking extended trips to casinos (for a poker run) and seeing the beauty of nature on color tours. They were also very proud and supportive grandparents of their six grandchildren, attending many of their school activities and sport events. Church was an important part of their lives too, and they were active in the Maple Rapids United Methodist Church.

Dennis suffered with several health issues for some time, including serious back trouble. Later in life, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and died suddenly at his home on Sunday, November 6, 2011, at the age of 67.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Nancy; two sons, Norm (Shari) Kindel of St. Johns, Dion Kindel of Maple Rapids; two brothers, Roger (Nicky) Kindel, Marlin (Mona) Kindel; six grandchildren: Tiara (Ronnie) Schantz, Jordan Kindel, Dillon Kindel, Braden Kindel, Cody Kindel, McKenna Kindel; as well as many nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, James Kindel.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 10, at Maple Rapids United Methodist Church with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Burial will follow at Payne Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 9, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maple Rapids United Methodist Church. Please visit Dennis’ personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/75209, where you may sign his online guest book and leave condolences. The family was served by The Osgood Funeral Homes.