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Dennis Hale

February 28, 1963 - August 30, 2022
Gobles, MI

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Mass of Christian Burial

Monday, September 26, 2022
10:00 AM EDT
St. Thomas More Parish
421 Monroe Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Dennis Hale found joy in the simple things in life. He loved being out in nature, and when accompanied by his faithful companion, Barkley, it was all the better. Life for Dennis was difficult and his relationship with his family was complex, but the memories he leaves behind will be forever remembered by those who knew him best.

The 1960s were an exciting time in America. We had elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States, only to mourn his death just a short time later. As the decade drew to a close it was the United States who declared victory in the Space Race as we put the first man on the moon in 1969. It was as winter held the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, firmly in its grip in 1963 that Harold and Eileen Hale were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was finally over on the last day of February as the baby boy they named Dennis Edward made his arrival on the 28th. He was the youngest of five children in his family as he was raised alongside his siblings, Don, Larry, Sharon, and Carleen.

In many ways, Dennis was a typical young boy of his generation. As the youngest in the family he was doted and razzed by his older siblings and at times they fearlessly defended him as he was picked on by neighborhood bullies who teased him for a speech impediment. To support their family his father worked as a lineman for Michigan Bell and later as a custodian while his mother worked as a nurse. While growing up Dennis was raised in the catholic church and attended Portage Public Schools.

Dennis was blessed with two children, Jamie and Dustin, and although he was separated from them for quite some time he desired to have a relationship with them later on. Deep in his heart he only wished for success for his children and later grandchildren and as well as other family members.

Over the years there were many things that Dennis enjoyed. Sci-fi movies were a favorite, especially Star Trek. He also liked military based movies as well as other classic movies in addition to television shows like MASH, Law & Order, and Criminal Minds. Although he earned a living by working in gas stations, he really liked working outside. Dennis was happiest when outside in nature, and he considered any day he was able to take a walk in the woods to be a good day. Usually, he was accompanied by his happy-go-lucky black lab named Barkley on his walks. On one occasion, Dennis took a memorable trip out to beautiful North Dakota. One of the best things was using his sense of humor to brighten the days of those around him.

Throughout his life Dennis Hale found his joy in the beauty of the world around him and the moments he shared with the ones he loved. He had a fun-loving sense of humor and did his best to make those around him smile. He was cared by his family and his story will continue to live within the hearts, minds and souls of those who loved him

Dennis Hale, age 59 of Gobles was struck and killed by an automobile while walking on Mill Lake Road on the evening of Tuesday August 30, 2022. He is survived by his 2 children Jamie (Bryan) Pattee and Dustin Hale; his 3 siblings: Larry Hale, Sharon Hale, Carleen Jenney; 7 grandchildren: Connor, Collin, Grace, Brenton, Dominik, Gabriel, Julius. Cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Monday, September 26, 2022 at St. Thomas More Parish, 421 Monroe Street. Dennis will be buried by his Mother at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo. Visit Dennis’ webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign his guestbook. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.

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