Mr. Dennis "Denny" Duff's Obituary
Mr. Dennis “Denny” Duff, 72, passed away very unexpectedly Monday evening, September 28, 2015, at his home. He was born March 2, 1943 to Elmer and Vivian (Senecal) Duff in Muskegon, and was a lifelong resident. Denny was a career firefighter, proudly serving the City of Muskegon for 33 years before retiring as the Battalion Chief in 2002. He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council #706, the Vikings, and the International Association of Retired Firefighters. Denny also volunteered for the Red Cross, and enjoyed being involved with the Michigan Irish Music Festival. Growing up in the Bluffton area of Muskegon, he always enjoyed the water, Pere Marquette, Bronson Park, and fishing. He loved to cook and was known for his “Duff Pizza”. Denny’s family was everything to him. He was a loving husband to his wife, father to his children, and Papa to his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Suzanne; his children, Kimberly and Gary Kanaar and their family, Brian and Lauren Kanaar, Celia, James; Kendell and Andrea Kanaar, and Konnor; Brian and Maureen Duff and their family, Riley and Caera; Bruce and Emily Duff and their family, Marissa, Maggie, and Nolan; Peter and Jennifer Duff and their family, Alaina, Drew, and Amelia; all of Muskegon; brothers and sisters, Mary Lou Erickson of Muskegon, Richard and Patricia DeLong of Otsego, MI, Maureen Duff of Danville, CA, Jeanne VanSlambrouck of Fennville, MI, Joseph and Diane Duff of Gaylord, MI,; in-laws, Fred and Annette Panyard of Muskegon, James and Scottie Howell of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, David and Karin Howell of Spring Lake, Mary Lou and James Benedict of Muskegon, Jack and Chantel Howell of Muskegon, Michael and Arinda Howell of Spring Lake; numerous nephews and nieces. Denny was preceded in death by his daughter Renee’ Duff; his parents, Elmer and Vivian Duff; his brother, Michael Duff; his sister, Annette Duff; brother-in-law, Thomas Erickson; parents-in-law, Harold and Gloria Howell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gloria and Roger Chandonnet. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Tuesday, October 6, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, with the Rev. Fr. Michael P. Olson presiding. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100 will be from 5-8 PM Monday evening. You may visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in memory of Mr. Duff may be made to Loaves and Fishes, or the Knights of Columbus Council #706, 2915 Fairfield, Muskegon, MI 49441.
What’s your fondest memory of Dennis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dennis?
Share a story where Dennis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dennis you’ll never forget.
How did Dennis make you smile?
