Dennis Pelton

Denny persevered through many physical challenges over the past few years and when the pain was too great, he got a scooter. This scooter made countless rides through the neighborhood, usually with at least one grandkid in tow. He would load that same scooter on the back of his car with all his fishing equipment and off to Holland State Park he would go, where he would fish for hours off the pier. Fishing and hunting were some of his favorite pastimes and he was so happy to have finally gone on a charter fishing trip this past June.

Denny was a graduate of Rogers High School class of ‘71, where he was an esteemed and decorated gymnast. He loved his Friday nights with happy hour friends and bonfires with the cul-de-sac gang. If ever the mood got too serious, Denny was always there to crack one of his jokes and lighten the mood. Denny was always planning the next project, whether for himself or someone else. He also loved going to the casino, saving a penny, jigsaw puzzles, tinkering in the garage, Thursday morning breakfasts with the guys, and his koi pond. Above everything else, Denny loved being a grandpa most of all. He was always challenging the grandkids with his unique games, taking them on boat rides, or sharing his favorite movies.

Dennis told his family, “In my next life, I will be walking barefoot up and down an ocean beach with my fishing pole."

He will be missed by his wife, Gloria; children Bob and Allison Pelton (Walker, Reid, Bishop), Sara and Glenn Desgranges (Chandler, Carson, Camdyn, Gianna, Gibson, Breslin, Barron, Sutton), Heidi and Stephen Draft-Peppin (London, Asher), James Pelton and Megan, Josh and Toriey Pelton (Sawyer, Noelle); brother, Mike Pelton (Debbie); sister, Pam Buist; in-laws Virginia Huffman (Steve), Larry Benjamin (Carol), Ken Benjamin, Laura Place, and Terry Benjamin (Debbie); and many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Arlene Pelton; brother-in-law, Doug Buist; mother-in-law, Elnora Benjamin; and in-laws Fay and Linda Sherman.

A celebration of Dennis’ life will commence 2 p.m. Sunday, September 3, 2023, with visitation one hour prior, at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th Street, Byron Center, MI 49315. Chaplain Donna Smith will be officiating. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresbyron.com.