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Dean A. Recknagel RPh

1936 - 2020

Dean A. Recknagel RPh obituary, 1936-2020, Norton Shores, MI

BORN

1936

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel

6291 Harvey St.

Norton Shores, Michigan

Dean Recknagel Obituary

Recknagel, RPh, Dean A. Mr. Dean A. Recknagel, RPh, age 83, passed away following a brief illness on January 7, 2020. We celebrate that Dean looked forward to meet his Lord and Savior and re-unite with his parents and heavenly family. Dean never met a stranger; and he blessed many lives with his love, wisdom and encouragement. He was born July 2, 1936 in Muskegon to Arnold and Marie (Ulmer) Recknagel; and had been a life resident of the area. Dean was a beloved Pharmacist, Community & Church Leader, Entrepreneur, Husband, Father and Grandfather. From 1960- 2002 he owned and operated Dean's Pharmacy, Penney's Prescription Center and the D & W Pharmacy. He also owned and operated Seminole Shores Professional Buildings from 1984 – 2018. Dean was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, active with Men's Ministries and had served as Chairman of West Shore Lutheran School. He had been a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and led as Chair of its school. Dean had also served as Chair of the West Michigan Pharmacist Association. He was instrumental in bringing the U.S.S. Silversides to Muskegon and served on its Board. He served on the Roosevelt Park City Council for nine years, two as Mayor, 1964-1966. That designation won him the honor of being the youngest mayor in the State of Michigan, at the time. Dean was an avid car enthusiast, earning top national honors for restoring multiple classic Fords. He was a proud fan and sponsor of Rough Knuckle Racing. On June 21, 1958 he married the love of his life, the former Marilyn Elzinga; and she survives him along with 4 children, Jeffrey Dean (Betty) Recknagel, M.D. of Norton Shores, Todd (Kristi) Recknagel of Florida, Troy (Lisa) Recknagel of Norton Shores and Jill (Michael) Walker of East Grand Rapids. Dean was most proud of his children and grandchildren; and delighted in the gift of faith in Jesus they all shared. He LOVED his family. Dean and Marilyn have 14 grandchildren, Cameron (Breanna) Recknagel, Whitney (Jay) Fortenbacher, Paige and Hannah Recknagel, Johnathon Dean (Anjana) Recknagel, M.D., Andrew, Maxwell and Kathryn Recknagel, Joshua (Danielle) Recknagel, Sara and Sophie Recknagel, Madison, Isabel and Jackson Dean Walker; and one "special" great-grandson, Ian. He is also survived by his brother, Ross (Barbara) Recknagel, their children Rob and Brad Recknagel of Muskegon; and by many very special nieces and nephews who treated Uncle Dean like royalty. Dean was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Lois Scheer and Louann Aamodt. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3225 Roosevelt Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441 with The Reverends Paul C. Appold and Dennis L. Lassanske officiating. VISITATION with Dean's family will be 5-7:00 PM Friday, January 10th, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444; and one-hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. For a more lasting memorial you are asked to consider Trinity Lutheran Church or West Shore Lutheran School. You are also invited to sign the family's Online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Muskegon Chronicle from Jan. 8 to Jan. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Dean Recknagel

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Steve and Irene Bolduc

January 11, 2020

Our sincere condolences

Tom Perry

January 10, 2020

My sincere condolences to Marilyn and the family.

Tom Perry

January 10, 2020

My sincere sympathy to Marilyn and the family.
Tom Perry

Minni Kumar

January 9, 2020

Our heartfelt condolences

Anjana Minni and Prem Kumar

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Minni Kumar

Sent Flowers

Jim DeVries

January 9, 2020

Sorry to hear about your loss. I went to school with Dean from kintergarten at Angell thru graduation at Muskegon High School.Eventhough we were not close friends I always liked and respected Dean as a great person even talking with him later in life. Jeff did replacement surgery on me and he was obviously Dean's son which I could tell by his personality and i'm certain that Dean was very proud of him as well as his who;e family. May God comfort you at this dificult time.

Karen Tovey

January 9, 2020

So sorry for your loss Dr. Recknagel. You and your family are in our prayers. If we can do anything for you please call

Karen and Jim

Rhonda Hansen

January 9, 2020

My heart is sadden for the loss of such a loving friend. Dean, you have always guided and brought a smile to my face with your hugs and encouraging words. I pray for your family that our lord with comfort them as they honor you in the coming days.
There is hardly a man as great as you.
Forever loving and missing you.

Karen Tovey

January 9, 2020

Dr.Recknagel - So sorry to hear of your loss . He is in a better place as you well know - please let me know if there is anything I can do for you
In Prayer,
Karen and Jim Tovey

Karen Tovey

January 9, 2020

Dr. Recknagel - So sorry to hear of your loss . He is in a better place as you well know - please let me know if there is anything I can do for you
In Prayer,
Karen and Jim Tovey

January 9, 2020

My sincere sympathy to the family. I knew Dean back in the 50's when we were in Walter League at Our Redeemer. Arlene (Ramthun) Johnson

Judy Hobby

January 9, 2020

Dr Recknagel and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Charles Wierengo.

January 8, 2020

Sorry to hear he will be always be with us.

Linda Postema

January 8, 2020

My mother Jeannette BAstian worked for Dean. I remember him being a very nice person. He will be missed

Rosemary Martinek

January 8, 2020

We pray for the soul of Dean Recknagel and for his family who will dearly miss him. It was a beautiful legacy and enjoyed knowing more of him and his classic Ford cars. Rosemary and Stan

Jeanne Maycroft

January 8, 2020

On behalf of Dean's Muskegon High School classmates, as well as Marilyn's MHS classmates, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to their family and friends. Dean was a well-respected and dearly-loved member of his classmates and the Muskegon Community.

Jeanne Nelson-Maycroft

Loving Light Dishgarden

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Charles Wierengo

January 8, 2020

Sorry to hear of your loss.

Charles Sorrento

January 8, 2020

Sorry for your loss

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

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Memorial Events
for Dean Recknagel

Jan

10

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel

6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444

Jan

11

Visitation

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church

3225 Roosevelt Rd, Norton Shores, MI

Jan

11

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church

3225 Roosevelt Rd, Norton Shores, MI

Funeral services provided by:

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel

6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444

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