Dennis Early

Dennis J. Early, 64 of Gaylord, died peacefully surrounded by his family, Wed. Oct. 14, at McLaren Northern Hospital, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 27, 1951 in Detroit the son of Leo and Lavina (Stoltman). In 1975 he married Susan E. Brown, and they moved to northern Michigan, eventually settling in Gaylord. Dennis was an avid photographer, who enjoyed spending quality time with his family and the great outdoors. He also enjoyed geneology and fishing. Dennis owned a successful appliance repair business for the last 37 years, Early Appliance Service. He was a member of St. Mary Cathedral. Surviving Dennis is his wife of 40 years, Sue. Also surviving are his children Donald Early of Gaylord, Sarah (Nate) Stearns of Houghton Lake, Debbie (Michael) Murphy of Charlevoix, brothers Tom (Wendy) Early of Brighton, David (Joanne) Early of Dexter and Leo Early of Dearborn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Mon. Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. at Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral. Interment will be at 3p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona. The family will receive friends Sun. Oct. 18, from 3 to 6 p.m. with a Rosary service at 6 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.