Dennis Allen Schermerhorn

Sept. 10, 1946 - Sept. 5, 2012 MISHAWAKA - Dennis A. Schermerhorn, 65, residing in Mishawaka, IN, passed away at 1:00 AM Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at his home. Dennis was born on September 10, 1946, in South Bend, to the late Robert Bruce and Marion (Allen) Schermerhorn, and had remained a lifelong resident. He attended South Bend Central High School, graduating in 1966. Over Dennis's lifetime, he worked as an engineer, draftsman and architect, retiring after 20 years from the City of LaPorte as Director of Engineering. His love and extensive knowledge of the hardware business pulled him out of retirement, where he worked for Martin's Supermarket Store 1, in the only Hardware Store, retiring again after 7 years, in July 2012. Dennis was a true and devoted family man, a caretaker of ALL. He valued TRUE friendship, was blessed with many, and many were blessed to call him friend. He had a heart of gold, and never turned away a friend in need. Dennis will be remembered for his sense of humor, his memorable laugh, and how only he could TELL a story - and with his hands of course! He loved Notre Dame football, college basketball, and cheering on his brother, "Coach Horn," as he led the Holy Cross Saints men's basketball team for the past two seasons. Dennis is survived his daughter, Renee (Bradford) Sagarsee of South Bend; three grandchildren, Casey Boatman, Molly Brown and Katie Brown, all of South Bend; his brother, Bob (Linda) Schermerhorn of Granger; and friend and former wife, Barbara Schermerhorn of South Bend. Also surviving are his extended family children, Diana (Larry) Severin of Faribault, MN, and Suzan Graveman of Cedar Rapids, IA; extended family grandchildren, Heather (Rick) Sturgill of Michigan City, IN, Tiffanie (Joe) Heyrman of Iron Mountain, MI, Jennifer Sagarsee of Atlanta, GA, Justin Severin and Allison Severin of Faribault, MN, Amber and Andrea Graveman of IA, and Kiley Schmitt of IA; several great-grandchildren; and nephews, Bob A. Schermerhorn of Sherman Oaks, CA, and Jeff (Kathleen) Schermerhorn of Philadelphia, PA. Also surviving is his beloved and faithful companion of nearly 16 years, his cat Scruffy. The family would like to extend their DEEPEST GRATITUDE to the numerous medical professionals who took such exceptional care of him, including Dr. David Kramer of The South Bend Clinic at Ironwood, Dr. James Poirile, and the entire staff at Fresenius Medical Care at Edison Lakes, and Dr. Rafat Ansari and the entire staff at Michiana Hematology and Oncology. Graveside services for Dennis A. Schermerhorn will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at Southlawn Cemetery, 61300 US 31 South, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 - 8:00 PM Monday at Palmer Funeral Home - River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Contributions in memory of Dennis may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 911 E. 86th Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240; or to the American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolence may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.