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Dennis Zak Obituary
The Villages, FL - Dennis Louie Zak, age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, the 21st of May 2021, at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL, after a 50-day battle against insurmountable odds with COVID.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 30 years, Karen L'Heureux Zak of the Villages, FL; his children, Chad of Burnsville, MN, Christina Gregg (Kelly) of Tomball, TX, Courtney Clark (Jake) of Lebanon, TN, Tyler (Kathryn) of Orlando, FL and Ryan (Olivia) of Fort Worth, TX; his grandchildren, Joseph (Lea), Jenny, and Olivia; and his great-grandchildren, Giana, Dominic, Caleb, Roman and Briella. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Paulson (Clarks Grove, MN) and brother, Gary (Albert Lea, MN); many nieces and nephews; and many friends considered family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Louie and Anna Zak (Owatonna, MN) and sister Sharon Bauldry.
Dennis was born on January 20, 1945 in Owatonna, MN. He grew up on a farm near Geneva, MN. He pursued BSc and MSc degrees at the University of MN and graduated with a PhD in Food Science from Penn State University in 1973. He began a long and storied career in Research and Development with the M&M/Mars Company in Hackettstown, NJ. He made many significant contributions to the M&M's product line including the Peanut Butter M&M product. Dennis retired from M&M in 2003 and began consulting to the confectionery industry. He and Karen retired to Florida in 2015 where he was an avid golfer. He loved golf for the challenge and being outside in the abundant sunshine.
Dennis had boundless love for his wife and children, family and friends. He was a devoted father and husband and truly felt his children were life's greatest gift.
A Celebration of Dennis's life and Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2631 Durham Road, Buckingham, PA, on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Visitation with Family (1:00 PM Faith Hall) Memorial Service (2:00PM in Church). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or online at www.lls.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Zak
2 Entries
Laurie Winward
April 25, 2022
Very sorry to hear of Dennis´s passing. He was a wonderful inspiration and always willing to give help and advice. I appreciated his intellect and positive professionalism
Laura Saran
August 9, 2021
I was so sorry to hear of Dennis´s passing. I worked with him at Mars. I was located at the Burr Ridge, Il facility working on ice cream. Dennis was such a genuine, sincere man. He was so approachable and willing to help and teach! I pray your many great memories of him will help you find peace in your time of grief.
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