Dennis L. Farmer's Obituary
Dennis L. Farmer, age 86, passed away at his residence in Spring Lake, MI, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Dennis was born on September 30, 1937, in Fairbault, Minnesota, to Leonard and Louise (Meirick) Farmer. He graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1955, and then went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After his military service he went to the University of Minnesota, where he received a degree in Civil Engineering. In 1959 he married the former Nancy Douda, and the two of them spent many wonderful years together before she preceded him in death in 1991. Dennis moved to west Michigan in 1966, where he owned and operated North Shore Construction until he retired in 1991. Dennis was a longtime member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, as well as the Spring Lake Country Club. He was very involved in the Grand Haven American Legion Post #28 as well as various VFW Lodges around the country. Dennis loved golfing and boating and was a talented woodworker. He was a great cook and loved to entertain company. He enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. and also traveled abroad at times. He wintered in Florida for many years and was very involved in the communities there. Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his three children: Kathi (Jim) Marhan of Concord, NH, Teresa (Jack) Vargo of Spring Lake, MI, and Peter (Mary Sue) Farmer of Grand Haven, MI; five grandchildren: Katrina (Zach) Johnson, Justin (Taylor) Arbogast, Jordan (Jenny) Arbogast, Jason (Megan) Vargo, and Angela Vargo; 11 great-grandchildren; longtime companion, Marilouise Reuterdahl; Marilouise’s two sons: Ross (Allison) Reuterdahl and Nils (Ashley) Reuterdahl; Marilouise’s two grandchildren, who he treated as his own: Charlie and Riley Reuterdahl; and three siblings: Nancy (Ron) Peschon, Steven (Patsy) Farmer, and Tim (Brenda) Farmer. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Nancy Farmer. A MEMORIAL MASS will be taking place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 406 E Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Hospice of West Michigan. Arrangements by The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI, 49456. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com
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