Dennis D. Cobler O.D.'s Obituary
Dennis' Celebration of Life will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube: enter First Lutheran Muskegon in the search box just prior to the service.
Dennis D. Cobler, O.D. age 84, passed away Sunday June 22, 2025 in Muskegon. He was born on April 10, 1941, to Donald and Della (Lunde) Cobler in Rolette, North Dakota. Dennis attended the University of North Dakota and later the Illinois College of Optometry, where he earned his degree and received his Michigan license in 1966. Shortly afterward, he joined the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, serving first at Ft. Bliss, Texas, and then with the 12th Evacuation Hospital in Cu Chi, Vietnam. Dennis continued his service at William Beaumont General Hospital in El Paso, Texas, until May 1969.
With many of his Illinois College of Optometry classmates hailing from Michigan, Dennis chose to settle in Muskegon that same year. He became a partner in a local optometric practice before establishing his own general practice after seven years and continued working faithfully until his retirement in 2006.
Dennis was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church and a lifelong member of the Michigan Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association and the Lions Club International. He took pride in serving his community through the Muskegon Jaycee’s, the Muskegon Northside Lions Club, VFW Post 8846, and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 31. He was also honored to serve as a member of the VFW County Council Honor Guard Team.
On January 24, 1970, Dennis married the former Kathleen Dargan in El Paso, Texas and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
SURVIVORS include his wife, Kathleen; daughter, Amy (Mike Dewey) Cobler; son, Michael (Cathy) Cobler; granddaughter, Ellery Dewey; brothers, Robert Nelson, Jeff Nelson; sisters, Sherri Coutts and Jana Nelson.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, John Nelson; brother, Donald Cobler, Jr.; and sister, Diane Botton.
A Celebration of Life for Dennis will be 11AM Thursday, June 26, 2025 at First Lutheran Church (1206 Whitehall Rd. Muskegon, MI 49445) with Pastor Bill Uetricht officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service, from 10-11AM. Military Honors will also be performed in Dennis’ honor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to First Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice will be appreciated. Share memories with the family online at https://www.SytsemaFH.com.
Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100.
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