Dean A. Recknagel, RPh's Obituary
Mr. Dean A. Recknagel, RPh, age 83, passed away following a brief illness on January 7, 2020. We celebrate that Dean looked forward to meet his Lord and Savior and re-unite with his parents and heavenly family. Dean never met a stranger; and he blessed many lives with his love, wisdom and encouragement.
He was born July 2, 1936 in Muskegon to Arnold and Marie (Ulmer) Recknagel; and had been a life resident of the area. Dean was a beloved Pharmacist, Community & Church Leader, Entrepreneur, Husband, Father and Grandfather. From 1960- 2002 he owned and operated Dean’s Pharmacy, Penney’s Prescription Center and the D & W Pharmacy. He also owned and operated Seminole Shores Professional Buildings from 1984 – 2018. Dean was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, active with Men’s Ministries and had served as Chairman of West Shore Lutheran School. He had been a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and led as Chair of its school. Dean had also served as Chair of the West Michigan Pharmacist Association. He was instrumental in bringing the U.S.S. Silversides to Muskegon and served on its Board. He served on the Roosevelt Park City Council for nine years, two as Mayor, 1964-1966. That designation won him the honor of being the youngest mayor in the State of Michigan, at the time. Dean was an avid car enthusiast, earning top national honors for restoring multiple classic Fords. He was a proud fan and sponsor of Rough Knuckle Racing.
On June 21, 1958 he married the love of his life, the former Marilyn Elzinga; and she survives him along with 4 children, Jeffrey Dean (Betty) Recknagel, M.D. of Norton Shores, Todd (Kristi) Recknagel of Florida, Troy (Lisa) Recknagel of Norton Shores and Jill (Michael) Walker of East Grand Rapids. Dean was most proud of his children and grandchildren; and delighted in the gift of faith in Jesus they all shared. He LOVED his family. Dean and Marilyn have 14 grandchildren, Cameron (Breanna) Recknagel, Whitney (Jay) Fortenbacher, Paige and Hannah Recknagel, Johnathon Dean (Anjana) Recknagel, M.D., Andrew, Maxwell and Kathryn Recknagel, Joshua (Danielle) Recknagel, Sara and Sophie Recknagel, Madison, Isabel and Jackson Dean Walker; and one “special” great-grandson, Ian. He is also survived by his brother, Ross (Barbara) Recknagel, their children Rob and Brad Recknagel of Muskegon; and by many very special nieces and nephews who treated Uncle Dean like royalty. Dean was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Lois Scheer and Louann Aamodt. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3225 Roosevelt Rd, Muskegon, MI 49441 with The Reverends Paul C. Appold and Dennis L. Lassanske officiating. VISITATION with Dean’s family will be 5-7:00 PM Friday, January 10th, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444; and one-hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. For a more lasting memorial you are asked to consider Trinity Lutheran Church or West Shore Lutheran School. You are also invited to sign the family’s Online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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