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Dennis Garner Obituary
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In 1992, he graduated from Purdue University with his Bachelor's degree in Public Health. While at Purdue, he was a member of the Purdue football team where he was the team's center and long snapper. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved watching sports on TV. He also enjoyed playing Texas Hold'em poker.
Twenty-seven years ago, Dennis was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease. In 2010, he was lucky enough to receive a kidney from a living donor, Elisa Sundstrom. His family is forever grateful to her for this unselfish act of kindness that prolonged his life for thirteen years.
Dennis spent most of his career with the Steak 'n Shake restaurant chain. He worked many positions for the company including working at their corporate headquarters in downtown Indianapolis. He was an amazing leader and a great inspiration for many who had the pleasure of working with him.
He is survived by his five daughters, Anna M. Westerfield (Steven) of Shelbyville, IN, Kirby K. Garner of Pendleton, IN, Marley E. Mech (Michael) of Fort Myers, FL, Eden R. Garner of Cape Coral, FL and Reagan S. Garner of Boca Raton, FL; four grandchildren, Isabella R. Marimon, Samuel M. Noll, Stark A. Westerfeld and Claire M. Westerfeld and his loving companion for the last 9 years, Mary Peppers and her son Sean Peppers of Bonita Springs, FL He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Jones of Roachdale, IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marci M. Garner who died on June 2, 2014, and his brother, Cliff Garner who died in June of 2020.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Bonita Springs Moose Lodge #1454, 251 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Cindy Jenkins
September 28, 2023
I have not seen Dennis for many years, but sent him the following message five years ago. I think it speaks to the kind of person I remember Dennis being. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Hi Dennis, This is Cindy Jenkins from HSE. I know this is long overdue, but for years I have wanted to say thank you. I do not know if you remember this, but our senior year during spring break in Daytona, I naively walked down the beach with a guy I didn´t know. When we got to the pier and he went to the bathroom, I wanted to walk back because I thought he was a little weird, but was worried about walking back by myself. So I waited for him and we headed back. Partway back, you came up and found us and walked back with us. I was so thankful to see you. When we got back, you told me that you had been looking for me and never to walk off with someone I didn´t know. I just want you to know how much that meant to me and still does. You hear about all of the awful things that happen to girls/women and I just wish that the men would behave like you did ... looking out for someone, not looking for an opportunity to take advantage. I also wanted to say that I was so sorry to hear about Marcy. The two of you certainly built a beautiful family together. I ended up marrying John Zeigler and we have two daughters. Again, I just wanted to thank you and let you know I never forgot that. Your girls can be very proud of the dad they have. Wishing you and your family all the best. Cindy
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