George “Ed” Dempsey III

Ed was born November 27, 1965 in Steubenville, Ohio, to Mary Ogden Dempsey and George Dempsey Jr. After moving to Grand Marais, Michigan at a young age, he graduated from Burt Township High School. Ed attended Michigan State for a time before moving to Florida for a bit to work in construction. Returning to Grand Marais and then Marquette, Michigan, he did various jobs until deciding to follow a career in Real Estate.

Ed married his high school sweetheart, Michelle “Mikki” Flanders in 1987. After moving to Negaunee in 1988, they were blessed with five amazing children.

After years of selling Real Estate in the Marquette area, Ed decided to switch to appraising, starting out at Roe Appraisal. In 1993, Ed, with the help of longtime friend and co-worker, Bob Hogg, started Appraisal Associates of Marquette. Ed was dedicated to providing the best service possible to all of his clients, many of whom became close friends. That tradition will proudly continue in his honor. Ed was a past member of the Masons, Negaunee Lion’s Club, Grand Marais Sportsmans Club and enjoyed his time as a Shriner’s Clown. Ed and Mikki proudly served as Cub Scout Leaders in Negaunee for years, seeing both of their sons through to Eagle Scout. Ed played Santa for years all over Marquette County. Camp Buckshot was his piece of heaven on earth. He loved his time there with all his hunting brothers. Ed loved a good thunderstorm and was always willing to share a beautiful full moon with anyone. He was a fun loving, caring, spiritual, compassionate, giving person. Ed saw the good in everything and everyone, always had a kind or helping word. His favorite saying was “This too shall pass” – he’d say it may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

Ed is survived by his soulmate and love of his life of over 36 years, Mikki, sons Ged (Braelyn) of Algoma, WI and Alex (Devyn Cope) of Lansing, MI. Daughters Marah (Keith) Leivo of Green Bay, WI, Lynsee, currently stationed in the Army in Hawaii, and Caylee of East Lansing, MI. He was the very proud Papa to Maya Leivo. Ed, youngest of seven, is also survived by brothers David (Patty), Donny (Carolyn) and sisters Donna (Frans), Diane, Jane (Mikey) and Georgia (Jon), his Aunt Honey Ogden, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins. Also surviving are in-laws Jack and MaryAlice, Marcey (Dennis) and Jack (Tonya) and countless friends.

The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date. They would also like to thank the amazingly caring staff of the ICU at UPHS. Memorials can be directed to the Grand Marais Sportsmans Club, PO Box 99, Grand Marais, MI 49839.

“Ed, I will forever love and miss you, more! M”

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com