Dennis A. Conrad

Dennis Alan Conrad, 77 of St. Helen, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Dennis was a man who never stopped learning, never stopped building and never stopped laughing.

As a youth he worked at the family’s gas station, restaurant and motel, where he learned the value of a tireless work ethic from his parents and his brother ignited his passion for mechanics. He went on to study ICAI principles and computer circuitry. He held positions as a factory worker and a realtor and launched his own logging business, which he enjoyed the most. In every role he held fast to honesty and integrity.

As a husband, he and his wife of 46 years, deepen bonds of teamwork, discovery, laughter and love, under Michigan’s towering pines. They’d travel the winding back roads, taking in the views and discovering long forgotten attractions and hidden gems. They putted along glassy inland lakes with rods in hand, casting lines in hope of bragging rights at the days’ end. On their touring bike, they leaned into the wind, with their intercom helmets they enjoyed conversation, the hum of the engine and the rush of an open road. In search of relaxation they trailed the camper, each mile traveled brought a renewed excitement in exploring a less known or off season campsite. With the glow of the sunset fading and the crackling of the campfire, the stars would crown these simple moments that would become some of their happiest chapters shared together.

He was a proud father and a doting grandfather who lit up at the sight of his daughter and grandsons. Time with them gave him permission to be a kid again -laughing, teaching, listening with an attentive ear and guiding them through life.

As a son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle he was welcomed into the family from the start. Sharing in everyday life, milestone, sorrows and celebrations and always willing to lend a hand.

To family and friends, Dennis was a steady grounded presence. He gave freely to those around him – in his time, strength and knowledge never asking or expecting anything in return. From splitting and stacking wood, driving someone to an appointment and explaining how to’s. Most days friends and family could find him in his garage, where they would lend a hand or swap stories. The garage was more than just a workspace, it was his church. With a mechanical mind and hands that bore the marks of a life well lived, from crafting, repairing and creating. He saw solutions where others saw problems. His thirst for knowledge was matched only by his determination; once he started a project you can bet it would be finished and finished well.

He had a gift for conversation and enjoyed quick witted banter that was often peppered with sarcasm. He could trade jokes with the best of them. He didn’t just live life, he captured it, as it was unfolding through hours of video and countless photos. He enjoyed betting for pennies in a friendly card game, the challenge of keeping his model airplane in flight and the outdoors. Duck Lake held a special place in his heart as a quiet reminder of days as youth. He was a big believer in stay physically active and had a wild streak too. He entered motocross races for the thrill to compete and with friends built a motocross track that stretched miles where he would bolt through, on his bike, under the moonlight.

Music was woven into the fabric of his life. From the jukebox at the family restaurant, to recording albums and deeps cut on his reel to reel, to curating a modern day playlist on Apple Music and whenever the mood stuck he would drum out beats to his favorite songs. At joyful celebrations and quiet reflective moments, he set the tone with songs that carried us through laughter and tears alike.

Throughout the years with quiet strength he supported his wife’s battles with cancer as well as facing his own relentless battles with it. In recent months he remained present and generous with laughter and found purpose in making preparations to ease burdens on his wife. From the comfort of his home, he recounted stories of youth, grand adventures, and quiet victories. To lift his spirits and spark laughter, he shared his favorite music videos that got his toes tapping, comedy shows that turned sadness into smiles and family videos and photos that were filled with love and laughter. Through each clip and snapshot, he showed us joy can be found even in the most difficult of times.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Debora; daughter, Kathy; two grandsons, Romen and Zarek; mother-in-law, Barbara Lynk, sisters—in–law, Darlene (Chris) Romps; Diane (Russ) Clark, nieces, a nephew, and a special cousin.

He was predeceased in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Marion, and a brother Kenneth.

His spirit lives on in every story, every song and every memory he helped to create. He leaves behind legacy of grit, wit and love. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 27th at 2:00 PM at the American Legion in St. Helen, Michigan.

Please share your memories on the guestbook below.