Dennis Eugene Heniser

1958 - 2025

Dennis Eugene Heniser
Frankfort, MI
12/26/1958 - 10/30/2025
December 26th, 1958 – October 30th, 2025
Dennis Eugene Heniser 66 of Frankfort, Michigan, passed away on October 30th 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Dennis lived a life filled with love, laughter, and the great outdoors. He was happiest with a fishing pole in hand or sitting quietly in the woods, listening to the world around him. Dennis was an avid hunter and fisherman who found peace at his hunting cabin and pride in his family farm. Those places weren't just pieces of land they were parts of who he was.
Dennis's heart was at home with his family. He shared his life with his girlfriend, Jeanne Fewins, and was a proud dad to Justin (Julie) Heniser, Kate (Caleb) Gilbert, and Amy (Bryce) Robison. His role as Papa D was one of his greatest joys - cheering on and telling stories to Caroline, Annie, Hattie, Owen, George, Lachlan, and Clayton who knew him as Papa D, the storyteller, teacher, and gentle soul who always had time for one more laugh.
He is also survived by his brother Mark (Tammy) Heniser and his sister Cindy Kohn, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss his warmth, wit, and many jokes.
A true outdoorsman, Dennis found peace and happiness in nature. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time at his beloved cabin and family farm. He loved to cook and share meals with those he cared about, often turning ordinary days into cherished memories and parties. His warmth, humor, and generosity left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
Dennis's passion for the outdoors took him far beyond Michigan. He loved to travel hunting big game and was fortunate to share many of those incredible adventures with his son Justin and close friends. He loved fishing in Islamorada and Canada, Moose and Bear hunting in Alaska and the Yukon, Whitetail hunting in South Dakota and Texas, Red Stag and Fallow Deer hunting in New Zealand, and Elk hunting in New Mexico, Colorado, and Montana We all know that he hunted locally too, but those spots are just as secret as his mushroom spots. Coming home from trips was just as special; he took great joy in preserving the meat from his hunts and experimenting in the kitchen, creating recipes and meals that brought everyone together. He was famous for his 5 star breakfasts served out of his ice shanty on Crystal Lake. Corned Venison Hash and eggs over easy that had to quickly before it all cooled. His generosity was often shown through giving away his famous smoked fish wrapped in newspaper and sometimes "fresh out of the smoker."
Dennis loved to cook whether it was a hearty breakfast at the cabin or a big family dinner and he never failed to make sure everyone was fed and smiling. His meals, like his stories, were seasoned with care and a touch of humor.
At home, Dennis loved tending his garden, especially his prized tomatoes. He took and found satisfaction in preserving his bounty through canning. Whether he was lining up freshly sealed jars on the counter or sharing them with loved ones, his garden was another reflection of his generosity and care, always giving and always shared.
This time of year was especially meaningful for Dennis. As autumn settled over northern Michigan, he could be found preparing his deer blind, readying for hunting season, and planning deer camp with friends and family. He looked forward to Thanksgiving, always a time for good food, laughter, and stories shared around the table and also the excitement of the big hunt that followed. Those traditions brought him joy year after year and connected him to the land and the people he loved most. Although he loved hunting season he always looked forward to winter months and loved ice fishing. He enjoyed the quiet of winter, sitting on the frozen waters of Crystal Lake or Betsie Bay, enjoying the peace of being snowed in.
He taught his family to appreciate the quiet beauty of nature, the importance of hard work, and the joy found in simple moments. His spirit will forever live on in the woods, fields, and waters he loved, and in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.
He shared his life with his beloved girlfriend Jeanne, who loved him deeply and stood faithfully by his side, especially during his courageous battle with Metastatic Melanoma Cancer. Jeanne cared for Dennis with endless devotion, never leaving his side. Together they found joy in the simple things: quiet mornings, shared meals, drives through the countryside, and the comfort of just being together.
Dennis enjoyed and believed in giving back to his community through the Frankfort Eagles. His latest mastermind was the Wild Game DInner to raise money for the Frankfort Arie. In future the event will be named The Dennis Heniser Sportsman's Dinner.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7th at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church of Frankfort, followed by a celebration of life at the Eagles Club.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Dennis Heniser Scholarship Fund, checks sent to 557 Thomas Rd. Frankfort, MI 49635. Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia, MI.