Dennis R. DeMerse

Dennis R. DeMerse, 78, passed away on August 1st, 2021, surrounded by family at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, WI. Dennis was born on April, 24, 1943, in Marquette, MI, son of the late Irwin and Rhoda (Smith) DeMerse. He graduated from John D. Pierce High School in 1961 and attended the Soo Tech (now Lake Superior State University) for two years. Dennis transferred to Northern Michigan University and in 1966 earned his degree in education. On October 11, 1963, he married the love of his life, Michele Miller in Marquette. Athletics and basketball were a huge part of Dennis’ life. In 1961, his high school team went undefeated and won the Class D State Championship with Dennis garnering All-State honors. He also enjoyed teaching the game he loved to many future Mountaineers. He was instrumental in starting up the community school’s elementary basketball program and summer basketball camps with his childhood friend, Rick Olds. He coached the Iron Mountain girls varsity basketball teams for twenty one years and was a Michigan high school official for over fifty years. As a teacher, mentor and basketball coach, Dennis touched countless lives in the Iron Mountain area. His patient, compassionate ways with people and quick wit endeared him to many. Dennis loved to entertain others and make them laugh but seemed to laugh the most in the process. He loved spending time with family and friends and has created many memorable experiences for and with his grandchildren over the years. Dennis is survived by his wife of fifty seven years, Michele; daughter, Jodi McDaniel of Clermont, Florida; son, Jeff (Maria) DeMerse of Iron Mountain; brothers, Irwin (Ethel) DeMerse of Mesa, AZ and Richard (Edith) DeMerse of Marquette; sister, Margaret Olivier of Marquette; grandchildren, Trevor and Allison McDowell, Toni and Nick DeMerse; brothers-in-law, Alan, Bill, and Richard Miller and many nieces and nephews. Dennis was also blessed with many lifelong friends, including Madelyn and Paul Dooley, Rick and Maureen (Cookie) Olds, Scott McDonald, Gerry Pirkola and his Lake Anna friends. He also leaves behind his faithful companion, his dog Ziggy. In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his in-laws, William and Virginia Miller, and brother-in-law, Joe Olivier. A memorial gathering and celebration of life for Dennis will take place on Sunday, August 15th from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Northwoods Air Lifeline or Baycliff Health Camp. Condolences to the family of Dennis DeMerse may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Dennis R. DeMerse

April 24, 1943 - August 1, 2021