Patricia "Patti" Dennis

Patricia "Patti" Dennis, 74, of Kingsford, appreciated the joy of seeing the morning sunrise and evening setting, and so was her wish to do the same when the time arrived. She had her final sunset on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at Hyland Nursing Home in Iron Mountain. Pat was born on May 16, 1939 in Vulcan, MI, daughter of the late Henry and Alice (Tomasoski) Mroz. She graduated from Vulcan High School in 1957 and St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Hancock in 1960. Pat married her best friend and soul mate, Lowell "Skip" Dennis, on September 24, 1960 at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan. He preceded her in death on March 6, 2011. Pat began her career at St. Joseph's Hospital, eventually moving to Kingsford and taking a position at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital where she remained employed for 38 years. Although she held many positions at the hospital, she was primarily stationed in the Emergency Department, which gave her the opportunity to meet most of the area's population. As demanding as her job was, she loved the challenges and people she met more. Pat was very active in nursing and labor issues. She was involved with the R.N.'s first contract, became president of the staff council for 8 years, negotiated every contract from 1966 to 1995 and was employee of the month twice. An avid hunter, Pat has several trophies for the "Biggest Buck" and enjoyed hunting in Montana & Wyoming, as well as fishing. If she couldn't be found, she was at her favorite retreat, their log cabin, enjoying all the camp buddies and rival football games. Pat was a member of American Martyrs Church, the DCMH Staff Council, Michigan Nurses Assoc., American Nurses Assoc. and District, and the North American Hunting Club. She was a faithful Detroit Lions fan and enjoyed time spent with family and friends. Those left to enjoy more sunrises and sunsets are her daughters, Kim Dennis (Dave Stevenson) of Saline, MI, Kay (Dan) Campbell of Florence and Debbie (Erik) Beskow of Hales Corners, WI; and the blessings and joys of her life, her grandchildren, Garrett and Acie Ambuehl of Minnesota, Kaden and Kolton Campbell of Florence, Alex Farmer of Saline and Sara Beskow of Hales Corners. Pat is also survived by two brothers, Tom (Joy) Mroz of Masontown, WV and Don (Lori) Mroz of Bat Lake, MI; special mother-in-law, Julia Dennis of Hancock; an aunt, Anna (Jim) Turini of Vulcan; three enjoyable nephews, Andy, Tony and D.J. and a niece, Janel. In addition to her parents and husband, Pat was also preceded in death by numerous aunts and uncles who had such a positive focus in her life and two close cousins, Jim Twardzik and Butch Tomasoski who she deeply missed. Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 2:00 until 4:00 pm at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Memorial services will follow at 4:00 pm at the funeral home. Rev. Doug Johnson will officiate. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Patricia "Patti" Dennis online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Patricia "Patti" Dennis

May 16, 1939 - April 1, 2014