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Dennis H. SHAFER

  • February 25, 1941 - August 26, 2011
  • Negaunee, Michigan
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Memories & Candles

“Oh what wonderful memories, exploring, visiting museums, the country cemetary where you now lie, white fish from Thill,s cooking my first rack of...Read More » ”
1 of 9 | Posted by: Ann Mciver-Staples - Trenton, MI

“Our memories of Dennis and Ruth Ann go back to 1977 when they were part of the interview team that lured us UP North. Always the perfect host and...Read More » ”
2 of 9 | Posted by: Bruce & Kathy Houghton - MI

“I send my deepest sympathy to Dennis' family and friends. We spent years on the opposite sides of the courtroom, but Dennis was always a true...Read More » ”
3 of 9 | Posted by: Hon. Peter L. Plummer - Lansing, MI

“For several years Dad & I journeyed to Marquette every Summer to visit Ruth Ann in the nursing home. Dennis was always there, as he had been...Read More » ”
4 of 9 | Posted by: Richard Crossman - Arlington, TX

“Remembering my brother in law for what a neat guy he was.When they lived in Westland they would come over on Saturday nights and watch old time John...Read More » ”
5 of 9 | Posted by: Charlene Nycek - Canton, MI

“Dennis was a loving husband to my cousin Ruth Ann. In the early years of their marriage, our family enjoyed their hospitality and fun. Our...Read More » ”
6 of 9 | Posted by: Sharon Bolthouse - Lansing, MI

“I will pray that he has found peace. ”
7 of 9 | Posted by: Robert P. Juidici - Negaunee, MI

“Dennis encouraged my mom in her fight with cancer for the past several months until her death in July. He wrote to her regularly on Caring Bridge...Read More » ”
8 of 9 | Posted by: Jacki Treml - Trumansburg, NY

“Our condolences are extended to the family of Dennis. He has been our neighbor for over 30 years. A short time after he lost his wife he wrote a...Read More » ”
9 of 9 | Posted by: Robert & Shirley Hedstrom - MI


Dennis H. Shafer, 70, of Negaunee Township, died unexpectedly Friday morning, August 26, 2011 at his home. Dennis was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on February 25, 1941. He was raised in Tennesse and Midland, MI where he graduated from Midland High School in 1959. He graduated from the University of Michigan for both his undergraduate and law degrees and was a proud life-long Wolverine. Dennis began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General with the Michigan Department of Attorney General in Lansing. He entered private practice a few years later in Detroit and then worked in the Corporate Counsels Office of the former American Motors Corp. In 1976, Dennis moved to Negaunee where he practiced law for many years, initially as a plaintiff's lawyer in civil litigation and then switched to insurance defense in the 1990's. Dennis was a long-term member of the American Trial Lawyer's Association, an active member of his church community, teaching bible studies and extending his lay ministry to prisoners at Marquette State Prison. He was also proud of his involvement with the Centurians organization. Dennis was an avid outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed skiing, camping, canoeing and nature photography. He is survived by his brother, Chris A. (Michele) Shafer of East Lansing, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey H. and Dorothy M. Shafer and his beloved wife, Ruth Ann Shafer. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 4 p.m. in Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Oberg and Pastor Hank Steede officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service in the Church. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dennis' memory to UPAWS at 84 Snowfield Road, Negaunee, MI 49866 or to the charity of choice. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com.