Paul Donald Denn, P.E., age 83 died peacefully with his family by his side at Marquette General Hospital May 21, 2008.
Paul relished life, his large and extended family, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and hobbies such as carpentry, photography, boating, flying, traveling and painting.

Paul was born June 2, 1924, the son of George and Violet (Carriere) Denn of Ishpeming, MI. There he found his great love of the outdoors, exploring the lakes, mines and back roads of the area. He also forged life-long bonds with childhood friends and relatives that enriched his live until the end.

Known by the nickname "Slide Rule Paul", he was an outstanding student. He earned his BS (MTU) with honors, and MS (Wayne State) in Mechanical Engineering. After military service in the Marines during World War II and the Air Force Reserves, Paul began a 32 year career with the Federal Government, Dept. of the Army as a civilian. He achieved the position of Deputy Director of the Tank-Automotive Systems Laboratory, TACOM in Warren, MI.

Paul was especially proud to have earned his license as a Registered Professional Engineer of Michigan, although it often caused him to be addressed as Mr. "Dennpe". He was elected a Fellow of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. Paul received many commendations during his career, including the "Decoration for Meritorious Civilian Service" from the Dept. of the Army. Paul published many engineering articles and was active with many professional organizations and enjoyed a rich and fulfilling career.

In his personal life, Paul married Patricia Cargo, also a Michigan native and moved to the Detroit area where they raised six children who thought it was normal to have model tanks and ordinance calendars decorating the den. The family was active in scouting, outdoor activities and the Catholic Church. After 49 years of marriage, Patricia passed away in 1997.

Paul and Dorothy Peterson, of Ishpeming, both widowed, found each other and started their marriage Jan.1, 2000. During the past eight years they have enjoyed exploring their way across the country to Lake Havasu City, AZ, to escape the northern cold. In summers they live on Lake Michigamme taking in the stunning sunsets Paul loved.

Dorothy and her extended family have embraced Paul and helped immensely with his care as his health declined.

Paul's easy humor, welcoming presence and generous nature will live on in the hearts of his family and a host of friends.

Paul is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and five children, Diana (Joseph) Petrosky of Almont, MI; Jacqueline (Marty Calden) Denn of Chicago; Colleen (John) Leonard of Lexington, NC; Michael (Ruth Bucsh) Denn of Wildwood, MO; Susan (John) Taube of Troy, MI; and 9 grand children. He was preceded in death by a son, Paul D. Denn, Jr. and his sister, Rosemary Tomlinson. He is also survived by step-children Don (Laura Lane) Peterson, of Marquette; Brian (Valerie) Peterson, of Negaunee; and Janice (Paul Herron) Peterson of Memphis; and their 8 children and grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Saturday, May 24 from 4pm to 6 pm at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming. Sunday, May 25 visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Champion, MI from 2pm to 3 pm with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 3pm with Rev. Fr. Greg Heikkala to officiate. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery, with military honors performed by the V.V.A. Chapter #380.

Memorial donations can be directed to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Champion, MI 49814 or to the Ishpeming Branch of the Marquette Community Fund, 401 E. Fair Ave. P.O. Box 37, Marquette, MI 49855.