Ishpeming, MI- Dennis John Lakari, age 83, longtime Ishpeming resident passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Teal Lake Senior Living Community in Negaunee, while in the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice.

Dennis was born in Ishpeming, MI on July 21, 1938, the son of August and Myrtle (Lenten) Lakari. He grew up in Negaunee and was a graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1956. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Dennis served 3 years and was honorably discharged in 1959.

Dennis married Gloria (Guizzetti) on May 12, 1962.  They started their life together moving to Milwaukee before returning to the UP in 1964.  They eventually settled in Ishpeming, living on Duncan St. for over 50 years.  Dennis worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company for 30 years. He worked at the Humboldt Mine and retired from the Empire Mine as a shift foreman.

In their retirement Dennis and Gloria enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 United States as well as Australia and Europe, visiting Gloria's relatives in Northern Italy.  For many years they wintered in Florida.  Their biggest joy came while spending the summer months at their camp on Beaufort Lake.  Their time on Beaufort Lake allowed them to build many memories with all of their grandchildren.

Dennis was a member of the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming where he spent much time volunteering and serving.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Gloria, two sons; Scott (Kristy) Lakari, of Ludington, MI; Brian (Cheryl) Lakari, of Suamico, WI; 6 grandchildren: Madison, Casey (Kaitlin), Jett, Chase, Samantha and Autumn, two brothers; Walter (Nancy) Lakari, of Iron Mountain, MI; and Nick (Sandy) Lakari, of Crivitz, WI, along with several nieces and nephews.  Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming, with Fr. Ryan Ford officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

The Mass will be livestreamed, which can be found at ishpeming catholic.com/live.

Military Honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy.

A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be directed to UP Home Health and Hospice at uphomehealth.org/hospice-foundation/ or St Joseph Catholic Church in memory of Dennis Lakari.

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