Dennis R Lanning

Dennis R. Lanning 74 of Mancelona, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025 after a courageous health battle. He was born June 30, 1950 in Bellaire the son of Ward and Betty (Borst) Lanning.

Denny was a lifelong resident of Mancelona, graduating from Mancelona High School in 1968. He owned and operated Denny’s Small Engine Repair for years. He loved to tinker with things, tearing them apart and fixing them again! As an active volunteer, he could often be found on a baseball diamond. He dedicated many years to the Little League and High School Baseball programs in all aspects of the game. He also spent many years on the sidelines of the football field actively participating in the chain gang.

Family was everything to Denny. He enjoyed playing with his grandkids and great grandkids and spending time with them. He was forever joking around with them, scaring and aggravating his family and friends too. He also enjoyed spending time in the woods hunting and mushrooming and in his backyard in his garden. He was talented in wood carving too.

Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Susan (Ecklund) Lanning, children Dennis, David (Tori), Brian, brother Norman (Edna), sister Susie (Mark) Kler, grandchildren Bradley (Morgan), Blake, Katie (Josh), Ethan (Etta), Chloe, Izzy, Jayden, Noah, Jonah, Nakoda, great grandchildren Eli, Maeve, Delilah, Walter, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Billy in 2022, brother Cliff, and his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 6, at 2 p.m. at the Mancelona Free Methodist Church with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions can be given to the family.

Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.