Dennis Farnsworth

1940 - 2024

Dennis " " Farnsworth
Arcadia,MI
July 25, 1940 - April 22, 2024
Dennis Ralph Farnsworth, 83 of Arcadia, Michigan passed away on April 22, 2024, at the Medilodge GTC in Traverse City. Dennis was born on July 25, 1940, in Bear Lake, MI to Lawrence and Mabel Farnsworth. He was the second oldest of 11 children.Dennis married Shirley Ann March on July 20, 1963, in Bear Lake, MI and just celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary last year. They laid down their roots in Arcadia, Michigan and began their family. Along the way opening their home to many of the local kids where they quickly began to be referred to as Papa and Gran.Dennis had spent his years as a Mechanic at first McArthur's Total Station (Max's as most people called it) and then he branched out to his own shop at his home. His reputation as a hard working and honest mechanic brought him plenty of customers that would eventually become a friend. Dennis joined the Arcadia Fire Department in 1964 where he spent many of those years as the Fire Chief before he stepped down in 1989. He loved to serve his community in that way as most locals would just call his home if there was an emergency before they ever called 911. Small town life is what he enjoyed so serving on the fire department and the Arcadia Lions Club was the perfect fit for him. Dennis is survived by his wife, Shirley Farnsworth, son Tom (Ginger) Farnsworth of Arcadia, daughter Shelly Hisem of Interlochen, daughter in law Dawn Farnsworth of Bellaire, daughter Patty Opdyke of Arcadia; 7 grandsons, Scott Farnsworth, Seth Farnsworth, Thomas Farnsworth, Timothy Farnsworth, Mason Hisem, Owen Hisem, Josh Morley; many great grandchildren and 8 siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mabel Farnsworth; brothers, Ronald and Eugene Farnsworth, daughter Kimberly Farnsworth and son Robert Farnsworth. A celebration of Denny's life will take place Sunday, May 5th, 2024 at the Arcadia Township Hall at 2pm.Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.