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Dennis Collier Obituary
CANAL WINCHESTER - Dennis Patrick Collier, age 72, of Canal Winchester died Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Mt. Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. he was born April 15, 1951, to Orla and Dorothy (Zadrosny) in Detroit, Michigan.
In his younger years Dennis was an avid backpacker and bicyclist. It was not uncommon for him to come home from work and ride a 17 mile circuit every day. It was always his dream to backpack on Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. Over the years he ended up going 5 times.
He also enjoyed hiking and backpacking in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, as well as several trips to the Smoky Mountains.
He retired in October 2002 from Ford Motor Company's Lima Engine Plant in Lima Ohio, where he was a skilled tradesman in the Metrology Lab. He attended Ohio State University and also took many remote classes from Ohio University.
Dennis married Vera Wapperom April 8, 1972.
Upon retirement he and his wife moved to Bear Lake, Michigan, just south of Traverse City. They lived there until summer of 2020, at which time they moved to Canal Winchester, Ohio to be closer to family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Orla E. Collier II; and sister, Rosemary (Jeff) Dorrell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Vera; sons, Michael (Jessica) Collier and Ryan (Elizabeth) Collier; five grandchildren, Lila, Bryan, Dylan, Merida and Zoey; brothers, Orla "Chip" (Sue) Collier III and Tim Collier, and his mother, Dorothy Collier.
Friends are welcome to visit from 12-1p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Dwayne R Spense Funeral home, Canal Winchester, where a funeral service will follow at 1p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Collier
2 Entries
Kim Army
May 21, 2023
So sorry for your loss worked with Dennis many years.My deepest condolences
Craig and Deb Henkener
May 20, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to Vera and her entire family from Craig and Deb Henkener and all our family. We have so many fond memories of Denny but we simply enjoyed our time together playing cards or Trivial Pursuit...when no one could beat Denny with his photographic memory! Hot salsa, chips, and beer were always flowing...especially Chili beer or IPAs. Craig loved sharing hunting stories and early American history with him. I could talk with him all day about his Native American artifacts, things he made like the pine needle baskets and fish decoys, and Egyptian collection. He had quite a video collection which he was happy to loan out. He always made us feel welcome and at home. And his sense of humor was quirky and sharp. We were always smiling when we were with him. He was a great husband, family man, and friend. So glad I got to see him and chat with him on Saturday before he passed. I will always remember that goodbye hug. Craig and I will miss him.
Love to Vera and all of the Collier family.
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