Frank George Dennis Jr.

Frank G. Dennis, Jr., born April 12, 1932 in Lyons, N.Y., died June 2, 2025 in Lansing, Michigan. He was the son of Frank and Corinne Smith Dennis. Life on the family fruit farm sparked an interest in the production of apples and the science of plant growth regulators. After earning B.S. and Ph.D. degrees at Cornell University, he received a fellowship to work in a plant research laboratory in France. In 1968, after six years at the Cornell Research Station in Geneva, N.Y., he joined the Horticulture faculty at MSU, where he was involved in teaching as well as research, which included work on fruit set, dormancy, and frost protection. In retirement he helped compile a brief history of the Horticulture Department and was an editor for the journal “Hortscience.” Most of all, he enjoyed hearing from former students – their varied careers took them around the world.

A member of Edgewood United Church of Christ since 1968, he focused on the problem of hunger, contributing to the Farmers’ market and helping with church food drives and Thanksgiving baskets. In addition, he volunteered at the Food Bank for more than twenty years. His interest in criminal justice led to work in several local programs, including one designed to help people find jobs and housing on their return to society from prison.

Over the years, Frank had numerous other interests. As an amateur genealogist, he researched not one, but several family trees, and for several years wrote articles for the Rose Historical Society Newsletter.

Frank is survived by his wife Katharine Merrell Dennis, his sister, Carol Dennis Agnew, and by several nephews and a niece. Those who knew Frank will miss his wit, his annual Christmas poem, and his earnest commitment to making the world a better place.

A memorial service will be held on June 21 at 2:00 pm at Edgewood United Church, 469 Hagadorn Road, East Lansing. Memorial donations may be made to Edgewood United Church or the Greater Lansing Food Bank (greaterlansingfoodbank.org).

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.GREastLansing.com