Obituaries

Michael Allen Dennis, affectionately known as ‘Bookie’, 42, of Monclova, departed this life unexpectedly and was welcomed home to his Lord and Savior in the early hours of August 28, 2024.

He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on May 22, 1982, to Michael J. and Sylvia Dennis. Michael often reminisced on his childhood and the countless memories he shared with his siblings; to this day, they were all extremely close. He took pride in being their older brother and was always their protector.

Growing up, Michael was an accomplished athlete; he played numerous sports, but his true love was for wrestling. After graduating from Springfield High School in 2000, he went on to work for his family’s trucking business for many years before opening his own diesel mechanic shop; if it was broken and could be taken apart, he could fix or rebuild it. He was a natural MacGyver. Michael’s love for wrestling continued throughout the years. If he was not in the gyms supporting Marc, Matthew or Nicholas from the stands, he found himself in the coach’s seat; wrestling was a passion he shared with his entire family.

Michael and Melissa began dating in 2002 and were married on February 13, 2007, in Mexico. The two enjoyed camping, morning cups of coffee, trips to Florida, and raising their chickens. He always loved her home cooked meals and never complained if she accidentally burnt one side of his grilled cheese; that’s what the applesauce was for. While their time was cut short, their love will last a lifetime.

From the start, Michael loved Mackenzie and Nicholas as his own. It was rare if he missed sports practices or games, and he readily took them under his wing when it came to learning new things. And although he was still trying to find his perfect “grandpa” name, he was over the moon that he was going to be a grandpa and was excited to meet his future granddaughter.

Michael was a collector (of just about anything) and loved being outdoors; he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a history buff, an animal lover, and had affinity for the oldies and classic rock. He could often be found on the dance floor doing the “Bookie Shuffle” or cracking jokes; his laugh was unmistakable and now is unforgettable. If he caught you in conversation, he would be sure to fill you in on the latest conspiracy theories he had come across and always welcomed a good debate especially when it came to his left and right socks. Most importantly, he loved his family and friends fiercely and would give the shirt off his back to anyone he met.

Michael was a husband, father, soon-to-be grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, business owner and friend. His adventurous, stubborn but happy-go-lucky spirit will be dearly missed but rest assured he now has his answers about flat-Earth. While we all take this time to celebrate and honor his life, he would remind you all that life doesn’t stop, and to “tiger up.”

Michael is survived by his wife, Melissa Dennis; children, Mackenzie (Brandon) Romaker and Nicholas Glowski; parents, Michael J. (Naomi) Dennis and Sylvia Dennis; sister Miranda (Jerred) Schroeder; brothers Marc (Amber), Matthew, and Mitchell Dennis; and step sisters, Guadalupe (Jesus) Victoria and Nicole Ramirez. He is also survived by his several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, close family friends, his two beloved pups, Sydney and Sophie; and cats, Willow, Callie, and Toby.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary and Lowell Dennis; uncles, Tom, David, and John Dennis; and cousin, Hailey Bazil-Dennis.

Friends will be received at Walker Funeral Home, Holland (7438 Airport Hwy.) on Tuesday September 3, 2024 from 2-9 P.M., where Services will be held on Wednesday at 11 A.M. Burial, Highland Memory Gardens, Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local charity in Michael’s honor.