Dennis Babbitt

Headed out on the open road atop his Harley-Davidson motorcycle was where Dennis Babbitt loved to be. He was fun-loving, adventurous, and active – a man who was never content to sit back and watch life pass him by. Dennis was grateful to share 20 years with his true soul mate with whom he created so many special moments. He found being a grandfather to be one of life’s greatest rewards and sharing fun times with this youngest generation to be a true joy.

During a year in which American presidents were limited to two terms, color television was introduced in the United States, and Tony Bennett released two top-ten hits, life in America was an exciting place to be in 1951. It was also a year of great significance in the home of James and Evelyn (Roberts) Babbitt as they were celebrating the birth of their son, Dennis, on July 5th. Dennis was born in Otsego, Michigan and was one of four children in his family. Even from his earliest years Dennis enjoyed being active. He attended local schools including Otsego High School where he was very strong, very wild, and very handsome. Dennis was a star football player and wrestler who even took second place in the state wrestling tournament. He went on to graduate from Otsego High as part of the class of 1969.

With his formal education behind him, Dennis was ready to embark on the next phase of his life’s journey. He actually traveled down a few different paths until he found the one where he was truly destined to be. Dennis married his high school sweetheart his first wife, Joanne Stoneburner, in March of 1969. Although their marriage of 10 years would end in divorce, the couple was blessed with the births of two children together, Carrie and Kim. Dennis married Teri Witt in 1982 and became the father of two additional children, Tara and Ty. Even though this marriage ended in divorce as well, he was forever grateful for the four wonderful children that both of his marriages had brought him. Dennis considered himself a lucky man when he began his life with his true love, Terri Bazzi in 1989. In fact, he viewed the day they purchased their home together to be among his most wonderful moments. Dennis was a vital part of raising Terri’s daughter Manal, loving her as his own. As a father Dennis was easygoing, supportive, and involved in various aspects of his children’s lives.

Of course Dennis worked throughout the years too. He worked for many years at Plainwell Paper Company until a back injury caused him to find alternate employment. He then found work with TRMI in Battle Creek, a manufacturing company that produces automotive switches. Dennis remained there for ten years until his disability left him unable to work. He actually battled heart disease since his first heart attack when he was just 33 years old. Throughout the years his battle included numerous surgeries with the placement of several stents among other treatments.

Certainly Dennis felt there was much more to life than just working. He loved being active and enjoyed interests such as hunting, fishing, and camping. Dennis also enjoyed grilling and preparing good old fashioned home-style meals. He liked being out on his speedboat whether he was fishing on area lakes, taking his children tubing, or just feeling the wind whip past his face. When it came to music Dennis enjoyed classic and hard rock music, and if he wasn’t at home, it was a good bet that he was at the Windjammer Lounge in Otsego where he enjoyed the superb cocktails. Later in his life Dennis became a grandfather to 12 grandchildren in all. He enjoyed spending time with these young ones and as grandfathers go, Dennis was quite good at his “job,” perhaps because he was such a kid at heart. He was also so thankful that he purchased a Harley-Davidson motorcycle later in life and reignited his passion for riding.

Dennis Babbitt was a bit of a kindred spirit who knew how to live life. He called Key West home for a short period of time, but most of his life was spent in Otsego. Dennis was a man of great strength who lived life on the edge at times while sharing his laughter and warm smile with all those around him. Dennis faced health challenges for many years, yet he never let life get the best of him and continued to embrace each moment he was given. He enjoyed many things throughout his life yet his most treasured moments were centered on the people in his life whom he adored. Although his family and friends now say goodbye, they will remember Dennis each time they see a Harley-Davidson or enjoy a cocktail at the Windjammer Lounge. He will be so dearly missed by so many.

Dennis Babbitt of Otsego died Wednesday December 2, 2009 in Kalamazoo. His family includes his companion, Terri Bazzi; his children, Carrie (Ken) Lenhart, Kim (Jake) Helmboldt, Tara (Kevin) Richter, Ty Babbitt, Manal (Todd) Glenn; siblings, Creg Babbitt, Jackie Lakie, David “DJ” Babbitt; and 12 grandchildren, Jon, Josh, Shelby, Hannah, Olivia, Chelsey, Vito, Samantha, Wyatt, Brody, Taylor and Parker. Visit with Dennis's friends and family while sharing light refreshments Monday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881) where service will begin at 1 p.m. following the visitation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo or sign his guestbook online before coming to the funeral home. A date will be announced for memorial bike run in May 2010 starting from the Windjammer in memory of Dennis.