Dennis Zuver class of 1965, 77, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on February 2, 2024. He was born on February 2, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan.
Dennis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and brother. He was a huge sports and music enthusiast and loved spending time with his family. Dennis and his wife, Carol, enjoyed traveling and living at their beach home in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, where they spent almost 25 years. He was a dedicated Michigan State University fan, a football season ticket holder for two decades, and cherished everything about MSU. Dennis found joy in watching his grandchildren participate in sports and perform. He and Carol were passionate concertgoers who always looked forward to seeing their favorite musicians. They loved spending time with friends and always cherished those relationships.
Throughout his career as a teacher at Ionia High School, Dennis made numerous friends and positively influenced thousands of students.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Carol Zuver; sons, Brett Zuver and Chris Zuver; daughter-in-laws, Janice Zuver and Kate Scalabrino; grandchildren, Brendan, Cassidy, Marco, and Stella Zuver; and his brother, Robert Zuver. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gertrude Zuver.
Dennis's educational journey included attending Okemos High School and Central Michigan University.
In his leisure time, Dennis enjoyed sports, music, spending time with his family, model trains, and sharing laughter with those around him.
A Celebration of Life for Dennis will be held on Saturday, May 4th, from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Steele Street Hall (115 South Steele Street) in Ionia, Michigan. A buffet will be provided for all friends and family to honor his memory.
Thank you to Rick Neumann class of 1965 for notification:
"Apr 14, 2024 - I was told yesterday by a friend here in Petoskey, who is also good friends with Denny and Carol Zuver from college days, that Dennis died this past week, while in assisted living in Grand Rapids. She wasn’t sure but thought it was April 2, which she also thought was his birthday (neither of which I can confirm). Apparently his wife Carol is also in assisted living, in the memory care unit. Sad news - Rick and Meredith Neumann '65
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/dennis-zuver-obituary?id=54832952
Jay Guertin (1965)
Dennis and I were good friends in HS. We both were heavily involved In sports and hung out together. I remember his match book collection covering the wall in his bedroom. Many great memories! My sympathy to the family. Rest in Peace old friend.
Gary Weeber (1965)
This is sad news. 'Denny' was one of the first Okemos students I got to know, early in elementary school. I can only guess at the postive impacts he may have made during his lifetime and hope that knowledge helps his loved ones deal with this loss. Condolences to all that knew him and loved him.
John Pearson (1965)
Shocked with sorrow to wake this morning with the news of Denny's passing. A truly great guy and friend. I remember driving to Battle Creek with Sam for Denny and Carol's backyard wedding. It included the most awesome pig roast I've ever experienced. Several years ago Jan and I visited Denny and Carol in Ocean Isle, NC and had a great day at their gated golf course development home. I remember a first day of school in Journalism class one year Miss Boznango announced that there were 2 too many students. She had us all write a paper on why we should be included in her class. For some reason she came back and stood between me and Denny, looking over our shoulders. I looked over at him, and he had that big grin going. So we both tore up our papers and walked out. We then walked around between the buildings trying to decide what to do when Denny said we should go down and join Sam in Choir. Miss McCormack was so excited to have two more male voices that she ran down to the office and made the switch while we all sat and waited. Neither one of us went on to a singing career, but Denny did go on to a great career as a Journalism teacher at Ionia High School. So there Miss B! I'm sure he touched many young lives during his teaching days. I'll miss you buddy. Hugs, prayers and peace to you, Carol and your family. -- John PearsonDavid Gustafson (1965)
Dennis was a great guy. Our friendship went all the way back to our playground days. And his father was one of my father's old drinking buddies at the original Paul Revere Bar, as well! Those were the days!
Rilla Haga (Thedford) (1965)
So sorry to hear about Dennis.. If I remember correctly we were both at Wardcliff School. . Fun times on Safety Patrol together....
Blessings to all the family.
Rilla J Haga Thedford