Dennis “Denny” Pendell, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, in 1947, Denny carried with him the values of home, family, and loyalty throughout his life. After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force in the mid- to late 1960s. He later made his home in Garden City, where he spent more than 50 years as a cherished member of the community alongside his loving wife, Jean “Marlene” Pendell (Parker).

Denny was a devoted family man who loved life fully and simply. He took great pride in his strong work ethic and deep sense of morals, values he not only lived by every day but also passed down to his children. He had a passion for sports, especially Michigan Wolverines football. He enjoyed playing golf when he could and absolutely loved catching rays in the pool, always aiming to get as tan as possible. He brought laughter to those around him with his incredible sense of humor and his love of storytelling—even if the story had been told hundreds of times before. Denny’s quick wit and unforgettable sayings will be sorely missed but will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marlene Pendell (Parker); his daughter, Erin Breen (Scott); his son, Eric Pendell (Crystal); his grandchildren, Jack Lamond, Dylan Pendell (Bridget), Davis Burden, Jay Pendell (Morrigan), Liliauna Burden, Mariah Kirk, and Dalton Breen; his great-grandson, Malcom Pendell; his brother and sister-in-law, James and Bonnie Pendell; his sister-in-law, Sally Legard; his adopted family, Nancy Church (McComb) and Brian Church; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Dollie Pendell; his brother, Jack Pendell; his mother-in-law, Laura Kempf (Allore); and his brothers-in-law, Robert Legard and William Parker.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 4, in the Pendell family backyard—the only place to celebrate Denny. 

Go Blue!