Dennis N. Honch

Dennis was born October 23, 1941, in St. James, Minnesota, the son of Nick and Sophie (Dannhoff) Honch. His parents were farm workers and he grew up in an environment where a solid work ethic was fostered and responsibility learned early, attributes that he exhibited for the rest of his life. After about a year, the family moved to North Dakota and Dennis attended a rural school for the first eight grades. He later completed his high school education in Max, North Dakota, with the Class of 1959. He continued his education at the University of North Dakota, working summers on the family farm.

During his final year of college, he married his college sweetheart, Patricia Louise Hurdelbrink, on August 25, 1963 in Lansford, North Dakota. The couple lived in married housing and Dennis returned to the classroom. He developed an interest in mechanical drawing and, during his last few summers of college, helped create drawing plans for the government missile programs situated in North Dakota.

He earned his Bachelors Degree in Industrial Arts in 1964. His first teaching assignment was in Allegan, Michigan as an industrial arts teacher, a position he held for three years. In April 1968, Dennis pursued another career path by enrolling in the Michigan State Police Academy. He graduated in July 1968, number one in his recruit class and the only one in his class to have already achieved a four-year degree. His State Police career spanned 27 years with posts in Ypsilanti, Mt Pleasant, Flint, and Marquette.

During these years he earned the title of Distinguished Expert in the MSP shooting rank. He advanced in rank from Trooper to First Lieutenant and for the last five years served as State Fire Marshal for the Upper Peninsula. He retired from the Negaunee Post July 1995. Among his many accomplishments, Dennis assisted the City of Marquette setting fire codes which led to a City Fire Marshal position. For many years, he attended National Fire Academy schools in Maryland, gaining valuable expertise which he shared with various municipalities.

In retirement, Dennis used his expertise in forming his own business, investigating origins and causes of fires throughout the Upper Peninsula, for insurance companies, for the next eighteen years. He retired at age 70.

For many years, Dennis was very passionate about touring on his motorcycle, and with his son, Todd, he found the perfect buddy and companion. Together they toured the far western states and when the motorcycle was no longer used, they enjoyed trips in their Miata. On one particular excursion, the two were privileged to climb to the very top of the Mackinac Bridge.

Throughout the years, Dennis was active in many professional and civic organizations, among them, a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators, a lifetime member of the NRA, a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, membership in the Miata Club where he planned many mystery runs, and currently a member of the Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority. Additionally, he also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Presque Isle Advisory Committee.

Special appreciation and thanks to Dr. Joe Steele of UPHS and close friend and neighbor, Dr. Evan Loukusa of UPHS, and staff of Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, and staff of Trillium House. You all gave generously to adding to Dennis’ quality of life by your compassionate and professional care.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; nieces, Lee Anne (Allan) Cook of Bismarck, ND, Dawn (Darren) Best of Coeur d’Alene, ID, Kelly Jo Blohm of Bismarck, ND, and Dallas (Ian Tanaka) Perry of Kansas City, KS; sister-in-law, Mary (Art) Hoffman of Ludington, MI; nieces and nephews, Peter (Karina Volff) Hoffman of Denmark, Kathy (Sean) Cassady of Atlanta, GA, and Kristin (Joe Hamilton) Hoffman of Muncie, IN; many great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his son, Todd James Honch in 2019; his sisters, Mary Anne (the late Curtis) Blohm and Connie Perry.

Friends may call at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Monday, June 29, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm. Rev. Chad Ott will officiate. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery. The Michigan State Police Honor Guard will be present during the visitation hours.

Memorials are preferred to Trillium House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 or Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.

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