Dennis Martin of Fennville passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2024, at the age of 74.
Dennis was born on September 30, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Fennville High School in 1968, Central Michigan University in 1973 and the University of Denver in 1979. Dennis worked in public education for 33 years. After working in Shepherd, Michigan, and Petoskey, Michigan, Dennis returned to Fennville as the Fennville Middle School librarian for 10 years. Dennis subsequently worked as Director of the Howard Miller Public Library and Community Center in Zeeland for a decade and finished his career as interim director of the Fennville District Library.
Dennis served as a member of the Fennville City Council and President of Library Board, and was Mayor of Fennville. He often referred to himself as “adventure dad” and was always up for adventures—fishing, motorcycling, camping, mountain climbing with his best friends. Dennis was a proud member of the Manistee Bank Beavers.
He is survived by his cat, Evie; dog, Caldecott; children, Matthew and Michael (Chelsea) Martin; and his wife, Jody Martin. He is also survived by his sister, Kristie VanPlew (Denny) and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Blanche Martin.
A celebration of life will be held from 4:30-6:30 on December 1st at the Fennville District Library: 400 W Main St, Fennville, MI 49408. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be directed to the Fennville District Library for their current Parking Lot Project Fund.
