WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Dennis Rex Lanning, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, October 17, 2022 at his home.
He was born January 1st, 1937 in Kendallville, Indiana to Donald and Marguerite (Sherer) Lanning.
Denny graduated from Orland High School in 1955.
On August 3rd, 1958 he married Elizabeth Pappas at the Congregational Church in Orland, Indiana. She preceded him in death March 12, 2016.
He was proudly employed by Kirsch Company his entire adult life and retired in 1999 after 43 years of dedicated service. He faithfully served the local UAW 797 as a union steward for many years. He very much enjoyed his job and those he worked with.
Denny was an avid Detroit Pistons fan. He started listening to them play on the radio in the early 1950’s when they were the Fort Wayne Pistons and religiously watched them on television when they moved to Detroit. He was a jack of all trades and had a passion for tinkering. He loved thrift shopping and always got a thrill by putting his own personal touches on things he found and fixed. He enjoyed metal detecting for many years and helped locate and helped return meaningful items to friends, neighbors and even strangers through his hobby. He loved collecting coins, antiques, and sharing stories that had history and meaning.
Denny founded and ran the Zabel Shores Road Fund 1967 – 2020. For 53 years, he passionately made sure the road was well kept for his neighbors and their loved ones. He resided at his home Big Fish Lake for 64 years.
Denny will be remembered for his kind and humble heart, and willingness to always lend a helping hand.
He is survived by his 3 children – Dennis (Debby) Lanning II of Centreville, Crystal (Michael) Houck of Sturgis and Jeffery Lanning of Sturgis; 4 grandchildren – Ashley Jordan of Elkhart, Jeremy and Dylan Houck of Sturgis and Tyler Lanning of Sturgis; 4 sisters, 3 brothers, his beloved Yorkie’s, Mariah and Dakota Cheyenne and dearest friend, Marilyn Saxman.
He was preceded in death by his wife, mother, father and beloved brother, Daniel Lanning.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, Oct. 20th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Private burial will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Mr. Larry Wallman will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks those wishing to make a memorial donation in Denny’s memory consider Adapt Inc., 907 N. Clay St., Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Denny was a special part of our life at Fish Lake and even after we moved. Such a wonderful man and always a joy to be with him or talk with him on the phone. He will be truly missed and was a key part of the history of Fish Lake. Your family is in our prayers during these moments.