DENN, Paul Donald

Today's News-Herald, lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Monday, June 9, 2008 7:46 AM MST Paul Donald Denn, P.E., 83, died peacefully with his family by his side at Marquette General Hospital Wednesday, 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, Mich. 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, Mich. 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 Department 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, each widowed, found each other and started their marriage Jan.1, 2000. During the past seven years they have enjoyed exploring their way across the country to Lake Havasu City 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 during 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, Mich.; Jacqueline (Marty Calden) Denn, of Chicago, Ill.; Colleen (John) Leonard, of Lexington, N.C.; Michael (Ruth Bucsh) Denn, of Wildwood, Mo; Susan (John) Taube, of Troy, Mich.; and nine grandchildren. 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 eight children and grandchildren. A visitation was held Saturday at Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming. Visitation will be held today at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Champion, Mich., from 2-3 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 3 p.m. 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. Paul’s obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.