Dennis Zeigler

Dennis L. Zeigler, 66, of Bark River, passed away on November 12, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Dennis was born in Garden City, MI on January 18, 1958, son of Norman Aaron and Ruth (Perry) Zeigler. He grew up in Garden City, MI. His parents decided to move to the UP, so when he and his twin sister were 15 they moved to Cornell. He attended Perkins School, graduating in 1976.
After graduating, he joined the US Navy. He proudly served from 1976 to 1980 as a Machinist Mate on the USS Henry B Wilson DDG 7, a destroyer in the Pacific Fleet.
He married Karla Stoerck on September 10, 1983 in San Diego, CA. Together they raised six children, Klair, Heather, Dennis, Beth, Donald, and Allyson.
After his discharge from the military, Dennis worked for Continental Marine in San Diego as an Outside Machinist. In 1995 he packed up his family and relocated to the Upper Peninsula. In 1996 he began working on the ore boats for Inland Steel. He started as a wiper, and worked his way up to 2nd assistant engineer, licensed in steam and diesel. He left Inland Steel to work for Great Lakes Fleet. He returned to Inland Steel, now owned by ArcelorMittel, until health problems forced him to retire in 2015.
Some of the great joys in Dennis' life were cheering on Michigan sports. He enjoyed the University of Michigan and Detroit Lions football teams and the Detroit Tigers. After living in San Diego for so many years, the San Diego Chargers had a place in his heart. He loved being on the water and tinkering in the garage. Dennis' greatest pride was his family. He was known for caring for his family and was always there for everything. Someone once joked with him and said that so many kids called him Dad that they bet he couldn't pick out his actual kids. There is nothing he loved more than spending time with his grandchildren. He hated the fact that all the cancer treatments and Covid fears took so much contact away. He was afraid his younger grandkids would not know him. He knew he was "Ahh-Ahh" and the oh so special connection it held. He loved how he could make "the big guy" smile just by hearing his voice. The fact that he thought it so funny, in the most loving way, that his son with the same name is now driving a 12 passenger van and buying groceries for an army and watching history repeat itself. He said he dealt with his sisters stealing all his clothes while he was growing up, then his own kids, and finally how a couple of the grandkids loved to come over and "shop" in his closet. He would say he had no grandkids, just to get them riled up.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 41 years, Karla; children, Klair (Mike) Larson of Hermansville, MI, Heather (Andy) Holmio of Menominee, MI, Dennis (Danielle) Zeigler of Escanaba, MI, Beth (Shawn) Metzler of Hermansville, MI, Donald Zeigler of Bark River, MI, and Allyson (Gerald) Lanaville of Escanaba, MI; grandchildren, Atheana, Shelli, Cassidy, Violet, Lulu, Aarne, Avery, Peyton, Graycyn, Broderick, Maverick, Ashlyn, Londyn, Dylan, Adelia, Gerald Jr., Cooper, Jase, and Mose; siblings, Norm (Karen) Zeigler, Melvin (Barb) Zeigler, Marvin (Debbie) Zeigler, Barbara Jean Devoll, Joanne (John) Beck, Diane Micheau, Dawn Bias, and Sue (Larry) Traver; along with his loving in-laws, and several loved nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, Dennis is preceded in death by his grandchildren, Rex, Alexis, and Allyssa; sister, Norma Jean Lisoski; infant sister Ruth Zeigler; and three brother in laws, Tom Micheau, Danny Bias, and Albert Lisoski.
A celebration of life will take place at the convenience of the family.
A message of condolence can be directed towards the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Zeigler family.