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Dennis Draper Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Draper
Marilyn McEwen
July 27, 2010
Kathy and kids, We were so sorry to hear of your tragic loss We were out of town or we would have attended the memorial. Dennis was a wonderful neighbor and a great Dad. I have fond memories of our years with the kids at Glencairn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marilyn (Bradley) McEwen.
July 23, 2010
Katherine & Family:
We were saddened to learn of your loss. Very clearly Dennis was one heck of a guy. Our paths have crossed indirectly as his "kid" brother - Mike- has worked for our company for many years by serving our customers in the most caring manner possible. We have no doubt this just the "Draper way". Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ed, Gerry, and the whole gang at Spartan Services
Janet and Chip Brock
July 22, 2010
Katherine, we're so sorry to hear this terrible news. We've been overseas throughout his sudden illness and cannot be at your home on Saturday. Dennis was a great host and always friendly neighbor. I suspect that if we'd ever needed someone in a crisis, he'd have been our man.
July 20, 2010
Dear Kathy,
I'm so sorry about Denny. Just wanting to express my condolences. He really fought the battle in the hospital, but it was just too much to overcome.
Denny was always so positive and so upbeat. He had a quick smile and was always so cheerful. He was able to make those round him feel good about themselves. He will be missed.
Sorry, but Sally & I will be unable to be there on Sat - out of town.Hope to see you walking by my house soon.
Jim McCoy
Ron Springer
July 20, 2010
I had the privilege to work with Dennis for a short time in the residential development sector. The description of him as always optimistic and cheerful describes him to a "tee". Even while restoring his GTO (which is a story unto itself), I recall him being cheerful and always looking on the bright side when dealing with the restoration company ("I mean Ron, really, how much more can it cost me?"). I am sad that I did not keep in closer touch over the years as I never tired of talking with Dennis. My thoughts are with you and your family Katherine.
Ron and Joanie Loeher
July 19, 2010
Dear Kathy,
We are so sad to hear of the passing of our wonderful conrade and friend from the class of 58. Lots of fun memories of those 4 years at St Mary High in Jackson. Denny really lived life to the fullest and got along great with all his classmates. He'll be missed by all of us.
Thank God, we all got a chance to share those memories at the last class reunion. Am sending along some pictures of that evening in 2008.
Denny, thanks for the memories.
Ron and Joanie Loeher
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
The Fergusons
July 19, 2010
Dennis will be dearly missed. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Miller
July 18, 2010
Katherine,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
July 17, 2010
Mrs. Drapper and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Occasionally, we are graced with the presence of an earth bound Angel. They are unable to stay with us for long, but while they do, they bring unprecedented joy and happiness to all they touch. While they are here, we bask in their goodness and marvel at their contributions to the world. When they leave, we are left with devastation that comes from losing such a wonderful being, but we must remember the earth bound Angels are not ours to keep. They are ours to enjoy, learn from, and behold until they return home. "Author Unknown"
You and your family have been truly blessed..Please take care of yourselves
Lori RN (It was an honor meeting all of you).
Steve Boehm
July 16, 2010
Dan,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Every time that I met your father he was always in a good mood, always optimistic and always had that twinkle in his eye. I'm thinking of you and your family.
I'll see you next Saturday.
Your Friend,
Steve Boehm
Ann Delamater
July 15, 2010
Dear Kathy,
Very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Colleen & Jim Heffernan Brogan McCleer
July 15, 2010
When we think of Denny, we remember his quick and comical wit. He and Marty always had stories of their escapades to share for a laugh. We are soon to plant a palm tree in Denny's memory. We'll visualize those two guys beneath it, together again ... like the old days.
We're far away but our hearts are with you.
TROY ELDER
July 14, 2010
I write this from Switzerland, where I am reminded of Uncle Denny's vibrant, generous passions for travel and beer -- two pleasures that I was lucky to share with him so many times as a child and young man.
Aunt Kathy, Dan, and Sara, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Troy Elder
Dave Sillman
July 14, 2010
I was a brand new (work) friend of Dennis', having several long phone conversations with him lately while training him in our Company procedures so he could do some independent work with our firm. Even in that very short time I was impressed by what a good & sweet (and sharp) man he was. We are so very sorry for your loss. I also would like to add what a wonderful sentiment it is to ask friends & loved ones to 'your life to the fullest and plant a tree in Dennis's memory'! Our thoughts & prayers are with the Draper family. Dave Sillman & Missy Bowers - Be Your Best, Inc.
July 13, 2010
Oh Dear Katherine - I am so sorry for your loss. Please extend my sympathies to your family as well. Such a surprise, words excape me. Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.
Fran Leonard
Mary Hawkins-Jacobs
July 13, 2010
Dear Amy and the Draper Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a Sibling/Husband and I hope the comfort that you take from friends and family help get you through the following days and weeks.
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Jay Blissick
July 13, 2010
Some 56 years ago, Denny and I first crossed paths at St. Mary’s High School as classmates. We shared the bulk of our teenage years--probably the happiest, most carefree times of our lives--pulling typical boyish high school pranks, poking fun at the nuns, and living through rejection by the “loves of our lives.” And throughout it all, Denny always was the spark that signaled that the fun was about to begin. He was one of the most liked kids in our class. “In” or “out,” it never seemed to make any difference. Denny got along with everybody. And that never diminished in time.
In recent years, Denny helped us plan class reunions. He always seemed to come up with a practical consideration that escaped so many of us, maybe owing to his successful business career. His street-wise suggestions were always garnished with a twinkle in his eye, a devilish grin, a waggish chuckle, and maybe a salty innuendo.
If you ever had to pick someone to be stuck with on a deserted island, Denny would be your guy. He was just fun to be around.
At our next class reunion, we’ll add Denny’s name to the list of classmates who have passed on. While he will not be with us physically, he will be in our hearts and our prayers.
We’ll miss you Denny.
Jay Blissick, Senior Class President
July 13, 2010
Dear Kathy, So sorry to learn of Denny's passing. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Greg and Barbara (Clark) Main - Class of '60
Art McCleer
July 13, 2010
Dennis came to Gregory with his dad to fish. He brought his own son here looking for the same elusive fish.
Later, I was honored that I became an occasional stop on the Marty and Denny Road Trip Series and many times I joined for a stop or two.
Those days may be gone, but the fish and memories remain forever.
Godspeed.
Art & Karen McCleer
Terence & Philip
Gregory, Michigan
Jim Swift
July 13, 2010
Dear Kathy,
I was very sorry to hear about Denny. Although we had'nt seen each other for a very long time, I still have memories of some fun times together. He was indeed a fine man and a proud Marine.
Jim Swift
July 13, 2010
I will always remember the "good ole days" at McCleers and I will miss mailing his birthday card. May God Bless. Lizzie Reyes
Bonnie Brogan-VanZwoll
July 13, 2010
Dear Kathy, and all the Drapers~
I was so saddened to hear of Denny's death. He was such a great guy and I have many happy stories of our times together at McCleer's, him tending bar during busy lunch hours while chatting and laughing with the customers. Yet, he was "the enforcer" when people got out of line! Somehow, even the people he got tough with counted him as their friend the next day. The sign of a true Irishman, to tell someone to go to hell and make them look forward to the trip! He will be missed by all.
Nancy-Klebba Swift
July 12, 2010
Besides being a great husband,father,& friend, Dennis was a terrific brother-in-law. He will be greatly missed! With Tears, Prayers,and Love, Nancy Swift
July 12, 2010
Dear Kathy and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Denny. We will plant a tree in his memory.
Phil and Judy Trudell
Jim & Kathy Somers
July 12, 2010
We are former neighbors who were privileged to live across from Dennis & Kathy for many years. Our kids grew up with theirs, and we adults shared our love for MSU basketball. Dennis had the deepest smile; it went all the way inside, and his laugh was infectious. We will miss him.
July 12, 2010
I was saddened to read of Denny's passing. I only met him once but spoke to him on the phone many times when his sister Mary Anne passed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Norma Vian
Jackson, Mi
Chris & Cassie Brogan
July 12, 2010
We are saddened with the passing of Denny. Our memories are the most from the days of McCleer's Saloon and Marty & Sandy Brogan's cottage at Blue Lake.
Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. The Drapers have always had a special place in our family's heart and we are all sorry to learn of this great loss. We miss Uncle Jack & Aunt Julie too.
Bob and Annette Trockley
July 12, 2010
Capt. Dan, our thoughts and prayers go out to you ,your Mother and your sister.
Joe and Chong Stratemeier
July 12, 2010
Dan and Family,
I never met your dad, and from what I have read in the obit and from the guest book entries, that is definitely my loss. He sounds like a great guy, one of those people it is a joy to know and call friend. I am very sorry for your loss.
Angela Martin
July 12, 2010
Dan-
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Shelly Jacobs
July 12, 2010
I am a good friend of Dan's. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Keith & Laurie Rospond
July 12, 2010
Katherine, Daniel and Sara,
Dennis was a special person to all. Cherish his memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 12, 2010
Kathy, Dan, & Sara...I am really going to miss my ole Jar Head buddy. We had some great times together and always had an annual visit that included the Marines vs Air Force. His obit correctly states the person I knew. How appropriate. The McCleers Saloon days were especially great. Now Marty and Denny can have a Captian Morgans together, I hope. Denny is a great loss to you and all of his friends. See you on the 24th. Bob Myers
Eileen & Larry Kowalk
July 11, 2010
Katherine, Daniel and Sara,
Our heartfelt understanding of your loss. What a great guy; no one could tell a story the way Dennis could. He had a way of making you smile. Daniel and Sara, what a wonderful father you had. Katherine, my dear, dear friend, you're in my heart, and my arms are around you to offer comfort.
With love and caring.
Eileen and Larry
Jim McCleer
July 11, 2010
To Katherine, Draper family members and friends:
I was saddened to here about Dennis. He was always my favorite cousin! We always enjoyed our time together when he would visit me in Gregory during the summers. Much later in life we would laugh and reminisce(at the Wooden Nickle) about our escapades in the surrounding area; including the swimming holes at the BAB, Devils Elbow and Osborn Creek Bridge.
You all have my deepest sympathy.
Bud Utter
July 11, 2010
SORRY TO HEAR OF DENNY'S PASSING, HE WAS GREAT TO BE AROUND.
Arlene Pederson
July 11, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Will will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Arlene & Marshall Pederson
Jennifer McClanahan
July 11, 2010
Dear Katherine, Daniel and Sara,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Your family has always had a special place in my family's heart and we are all sorry to learn of this great loss. I hope the next week of services will comfort you in knowing what a special person your husband/dad was to so many people.
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Jennifer (Kowalk) McClanahan
Ann Fineout
July 11, 2010
Katherine and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Dennis when he was with First of Michigan. Loved him to pieces and so many good memories of Christmas parties and office get togethers. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann (Carr) Fineout
July 11, 2010
I was shocked to hear of the passing of my classmate and High School friend. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. I remember his smiling face and biting wit. I am glad I had the chance to spend a little time with him at our reunion meetings.
The Other Dennis,
Dennis Lodise
July 11, 2010
A perfect tribute to a truly wonderful guy. (even the bit about the grand dog) - We enjoyed his presence, will miss his earthly spirit and cherish his memory. May the energy of his existence spread throughout the universe.
Blair, Rebecca, Lilly, Holden and Wyatt Renfro
Carole (Lewis) Overeiner
July 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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