Dennis Helferich, Sr., age 82 of Manistee, died in his home on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

He was born July 8, 1941, in Lansing, MI, the son of the late Harvey and Edith (Rogers) Helferich. In 1947, they moved from Lansing to Arcadia. Dennis attended Arcadia school through eleventh grade and then transferred to Traverse City, where he completed his senior year and graduated in 1959. He completed two years of college at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City.

Dennis worked for Tranter from 1968 until 1973, working in Lansing and Wichita Falls, TX. He worked at Ex-Cello Corp. of Manistee from 1973 until 1979 and worked at C & O Railroad beginning in Manistee in 1980. He worked for the railroad in Chicago, IL, Livonia, MI and St. Joseph, MI until his retirement in 2006.
He loved hunting, fishing, and playing cards with his family.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Manistee and was a past president.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Karen; his son Dennis (Deanna) Helferich, Jr. of Altus, OK; his daughter Denise Mitchell of Detroit, MI; his stepson, Dwight Giese of Grand Rapids, MI; his stepdaughter Esther (Toby) Spanos of Fort Wayne, IN; and his sisters Sue (Bob) Wheeler of Lansing, MI and Wanda (Dale) McQuillen of Manistee. He leaves behind eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his brother Brian Helferich of Arcadia; his sister-in-law Cheryl Helferich of Arcadia; his nephews Alex Helferich of Arcadia and Gabe Helferich of Benzonia; and his first wife, Marilyn (Koon).

Cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will be on Friday, April 12, at 1:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church at 420 Oak Street in Manistee. The family will receive friends and family at the church for a visitation from 12 noon until the time of service. A meal and time of fellowship will follow.

Please visit Dennis' personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo or memory. Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee is honored to assist the family during this difficult time.