Ishpeming- Dennis W. Kari, age 75, lifelong area resident, passed away on Friday December 8, 2023 at UP Health System Bell while in the loving care of his family, and hospital staff.

Dennis was born in Ishpeming on February 2, 1948, son of the late Toivo Kari and Miriam (Kontio) Kari Nicholls. He grew up in Ishpeming and was a graduate of Ishpeming High School class of 1966. Dennis married his wife of 55 years Mary Beth Healey on July 20, 1968. He worked as the maintenance foreman for the Marquette County Road Commission, retiring March 1, 2007 after 35.5 years of service.

Dennis was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of the Ishpeming Elks Club where he enjoyed volunteering, was a regular on the pasty making crew, and was honored as Elk of the year for the 2017-2018 period. He was also a member of the AmVets Post 122, the Chevy Justifiers, and played in the Ishpeming Cribbage, and Horseshoe leagues. Dennis enjoyed bear and deer hunting with John Wiitanen who was like a brother to him. He was an avid reader, and had a tremendous love for his family and his grandkids. Camping was one of Dennis and Mary Beth's favorite things to do together, most notably spending 16 years of retirement summers at Rivers Bend where they leave behind numerous friends.

Dennis is survived by his wife- Mary Beth (Healey) Kari, 2 children- Jaclyn Kangas of Owasso, OK, Kevin (Cathy) Kari of Kaukauna, WI, 3 grandchildren- Kyle and Kaitlyn Kangas of Owasso, Lilyan Kari of Kaukauna, 3 siblings- Mavis (John) Wiitanen, Paul Kari, Shirley (John) Solomon, 2 brothers-in-law- John (Jean Ann) Healey, Patrick Healey, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father- James Nicholls, sister- Betty Dugger, son-in-law- Christopher Kangas, and nephews- Bryan Kari, Daryl Solomon, and Scott Haroski.

Dennis' family will greet relatives and friends at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming on Friday December 15, 2023 from 10:00am until 11:45am. An Elks service will be held at 11:45am with the celebration of Dennis' life to begin at 12:00pm with Rev. Tim Johnston officiating. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.

Dennis' obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.