Dennis R. Egan

Passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, June 30, 2024, at his home. Denny was born March 28, 1942, in Benton Harbor, MI. At a young age he and his family moved to Portage, MI, where he grew up on West Lake. As a child, Denny was active in the Boy Scouts. He earned many badges, including a merit badge for home repairs at age 12. He also enjoyed building toboggan runs. Denny and his best friend, John Temple built an ice fort at the top of a steep hill with a toboggan track running 50-60 yards onto the frozen lake. This earned them an article in the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Denny graduated from Portage Central High School in 1960. While in school he participated in multiple sports and school clubs. He began his career at Consumers Power Company right after high school, where he would meet his future wife. He held many positions over the course of 39 years. He retired at the age of 58. After retirement he stayed busy enjoying several more years of working in a part-time position at Menards.

Denny served in the National Guard Company C Signal Corp. of Kalamazoo, MI from 1960-1967. During this time of service his company was called into active duty in the Detroit riots in 1967. Denny received an honorable discharge for his service.

Denny enjoyed many hobbies as an adult. These hobbies included bowling, ping pong, woodworking, jigsaw puzzles, fishing, camping, and cruising around the countryside looking for deer while sipping his Bigby coffee. Denny built his own cabin in Manistee, MI. He took great pride in maintaining the family home and outdoor landscaping.

Denny was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society for many years. He educated the public about cancer prevention. This cause was very important to him especially because he lost mother to cancer when he was very young. He also was treated for cancer several years later.

Denny had a mischievous personality with a smile to match. He loved teasing and was a prankster. He was an animal lover, especially stray kittens. He helped those who needed a hand and was fiercely loyal. Denny will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

On June 1, 1968, he was united in marriage to his loving wife of 56 years, Sue (Tassie), who survives. Also surviving are his children, Jill Burlew, Michael (Tracy) Egan; grandchildren, Katie Burlew, Natalie Burlew, Brendan Egan; and brother, Richard Egan. Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Virginia (Talanda) Egan; and sister, Nancy (Egan) Emmons.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 2:00-4:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. Private interment will take place in Hope Cemetery, in Texas Township. Memorials may be directed to the West Michigan Cancer Center (https://www.wmcc.org/ways-to-give/) in honor of Denny. To view Denny’s personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com.