"Oh what wonderful memories, exploring, visiting museums, the country cemetary where you now lie, white fish from Thill,s cooking my first rack of lamb. Decorating your house for christmas, lighting the fireplace and OH the smoke. Our political debates, our shared faith, I will always love you for attending Christmas mass with me. Denny, I am so sorry I didn't find out until after your service, but my biggest worry at this point is "where is Gunner". I love that dog ever so much, can someone offer some information. I will always carry you in my heart, we shared a special relationship, you the lawyer, I the negotiator, love and God Bless, Annie"
In loving memory of
DENNIS H. SHAFER
February 25, 1941 - August 26, 2011
Dennis H. Shafer, 70, of Negaunee Township, died unexpectedly Friday morning, August 26, 2011 at his home.
Dennis was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on February 25, 1941. He was raised in Tennesse and Midland, MI where he graduated from Midland High School in 1959.
He graduated from the University of Michigan for both his undergraduate and law degrees and was a proud life-long Wolverine.
Dennis began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General with the Michigan Department of Attorney General in Lansing. He entered private practice a few years later in Detroit and then worked in the Corporate Counsels Office of the former American Motors Corp.
In 1976, Dennis moved to Negaunee where he practiced law for many years, initially as a plaintiff's lawyer in civil litigation and then switched to insurance defense in the 1990's.
Dennis was a long-term member of the American Trial Lawyer's Association, an active member of his church community, teaching bible studies and extending his lay ministry to prisoners at Marquette State Prison. He was also proud of his involvement with the Centurians organization.
Dennis was an avid outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed skiing, camping, canoeing and nature photography.
He is survived by his brother, Chris A. (Michele) Shafer of East Lansing, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey H. and Dorothy M. Shafer and his beloved wife, Ruth Ann Shafer.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 4 p.m. in Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Oberg and Pastor Hank Steede officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service in the Church. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dennis' memory to UPAWS at 84 Snowfield Road, Negaunee, MI 49866 or to the charity of choice.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"Our memories of Dennis and Ruth Ann go back to 1977 when they were part of the interview team that lured us UP North. Always the perfect host and hostess with the 4 Siamese and Sheena for cross country skiing, ratatouille, mulled wine and discussion of Bergman films lightened with Dennis' terrible jokes: Herman the German and the Zacklies told as only he could. We have many fond memories of Dennis & Ruth Ann and now will miss them both. Bruce & Kathy Houghton"
"I send my deepest sympathy to Dennis' family and friends. We spent years on the opposite sides of the courtroom, but Dennis was always a true gentleman. He, and those like him, are a passing breed and we all loose a little something when they go even if we didn't know them well or at all. Be in peace with your God, Dennis."
"Remembering my brother in law for what a neat guy he was.When they lived in Westland they would come over on Saturday nights and watch old time John Wayne westerns with us until 3 0r 4 in the morning. The weekends he would decide to fix or tune up the AMX and then calling for help after he really had done a job on it. The way he took care of my sister through out her illness. When he was down here for Ruth Ann's memorial service he played video games with my son Brad and pretended to enjoy it over and over again. The way he counseled my daughter Christin on her career choices and life in general.I will miss talking music and movies with him.I will just miss talking with him period.He was a great addition to our family.He was a true believer and he is at peace and he is with Ruth Ann in God's Kingdom."
"For several years Dad & I journeyed to Marquette every Summer to visit Ruth Ann in the nursing home. Dennis was always there, as he had been essentially every day for the six years she remained alive. I can think of nothing that speaks higher of Dennis than his behavior during those years. I was extremely sorry to hear of his death since he had successfully fought off cancer these last few years. He will be missed, but his faith in God was always strong so I know he'll be okay. My deepest sympathy to Chris & family."
"Our condolences are extended to the family of Dennis. He has been our neighbor for over 30 years. A short time after he lost his wife he wrote a poem about death and his loss and gave it to us. We certainly will miss not seeing Dennis pass by on our road. Our sincere sympathy, Bob & Shirley Hedstrom"
"Dennis encouraged my mom in her fight with cancer for the past several months until her death in July. He wrote to her regularly on Caring Bridge and his messages meant a lot to her, her family, and to me. My sincere condolences to his family."
"I will pray that he has found peace."
"Dennis was a loving husband to my cousin Ruth Ann. In the early years of their marriage, our family enjoyed their hospitality and fun. Our condolences to his family and friends that will miss him."