Dennis W. Vertanen

Dennis was born on September 26th, 1944, to Wilho Vertanen and Genevieve Juchemich Vertanen in Negaunee, Michigan. His mother sadly passed away when Dennis was only ten days old. Found among his writings was this little note about his mother, “My mother died, so I might live. She went to Heaven, so I can live.” Dennis was raised in a loving Christian home with his father and his “mom”, Pauline Aho Vertanen. He was the oldest of eight siblings. The family moved many times during his childhood. He graduated from Rock High School in 1964. He worked for a year before he enlisted in the US Air Force. He proudly served from 1965 – 1971. He spent two years flying into Vietnam. He was a crew chief mechanic on C130 Hercules. Dennis was very proud of his service to his country and proudly wore his Vietnam Veterans hat every day. Dennis was able to go on the September 27th, 2017 Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. It would bring tears to his eyes each time he told someone about his Honor Flight.

Dennis returned home after leaving the Air Force. He worked with his parents at the Chassell Co-op. The family moved to Marquette and Dennis continued to work with his parents at the Marquette Co-op.

He met his wife, Mary, at the Co-op. They married on May 22nd, 1976 and celebrated their 46th anniversary this year. They moved to Vernon, Vermont in 1982, where Dennis worked at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant. They raised their two daughters in Vermont. His precious baby Lindsey Kay passed away in 1979, following a lengthy illness. She was six months old. Her death opened his heart to adoption and being a foster parent. Dennis and his family cared for 55 children over 15 years.

Dennis was a hard working man and even during difficult times (job losses, layoffs) he always found a way to support his family. He worked at the Marquette County Jail, the Empire Mine, the fish hatchery, and the MSU farm in Chatham. He worked at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant for 16 years, before taking early retirement so he could return home to be closer to his aging parents and in-laws. His final job was working at Tourville West on the maintenance crew. Dennis was a handyman and could fix just about anything. He took great pride in his work and always gave 100%.

Dennis was a gentle soul with a heart of gold. He had a deep faith that guided him daily. He continued to share his love for Jesus with others until his last breath. His faith deepened when he went on his Emmaus Walk, where he felt the hand of God touch him. He was a faithful member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Harvey. He served on many committees including the building committee, mutual ministries, Christian Ed and council. He read his Bible daily and even as dementia took over his mind he could quote scriptures and the Lord’s Prayer. Dennis was very involved in Girl Scouts for over 35 years. He loved helping them with special projects.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife; Mary and his two daughters; Courtney and Kimberley (Michael). He is also survived by his precious granddaughters; Alden and Zivah, siblings; Dave (Linda) Vertanen, Chris (Stan) Jefferson, Dale (Colleen) Vertanen, Kathy (Steve) Barr, Carol (Robert) German; sisters-in-law; Kathy (Darrel) Vertanen, Sandy (Daniel) Vertanen; his mother-in-law; Margery Small, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Kevin (Kim) Small, and his aunt; Nina (Jerry) Vertanen, he is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews and two great- great-nieces and many cousins. He is also survived by his beloved puppy; Scooter Don.

Dennis was predeceased by his mother; Genevieve, his parents; Wilho and Pauline, his infant daughter; Lindsey Kay, his brothers; Daniel Vertanen and Darrel Vertanen, brothers-in-law; Don Small and Mark Small and sister-in-law; Karen (Dale) Vertanen and his father-in-law; Donald Small.

In lieu of flowers the family would encourage those attending the funeral to please bring a nonperishable food item for the food pantry at Prince of Peace (food items will be delivered to the Salvation Army) or they are encouraged to being new batteries of all sizes to be donated to the Jacobetti Home for Veterans. Memorial contributions can be made to either Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Campership Fund or to the Jacobetti Veterans Home Life Enrichment Fund.

The family of Dennis Vertanen would like to thank the nurses at UP Health System – Marquette, that cared for Dennis during his 7 week stay after his fall down the stairs. We would also like to thank the staff at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans for their kindness and love they showed Dennis during his 2 week stay. They are angels on earth doing God’s work. We would also like to thank Lake Superior Hospice for their loving care they provided for Dennis in his last days of his life. Dennis was treated with so much kindness, respect and dignity.

Dennis lived a good life. He fought the good fight. He held onto his faith and love for Jesus to the very end. He was ready to receive his heavenly reward. All we can say to our beloved Dennis, “well done, good and faithful servant.”ù

Friends may call at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 20th, 2022, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Funeral services will be held in the church on Sunday, November 20th, 2022 at 2:00 pm, with Rev. Alex LaChapelle officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family request non-perishable food items to be donated to the Salvation Army or to donate batteries to the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activities Fund.

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