Dennis George Neuner

He was born on January 27, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to George and Carol (Barrett) Neuner, the oldest of five children. He studied political science at Wayne State University and public administration at the University of Michigan-Flint, where he earned a Master of Public Administration. Passionate about politics and government, he built a career in public service. He joined Robert F. Kennedy’s 1968 presidential campaign and worked on numerous campaigns for Michigan elected officials, including Senator Phil Hart and Detroit Mayor Jerome Cavanagh. He also served as a delegate to the 1972 Democratic National Convention.

Dennis spent most of his career working in the Michigan Senate and for Secretary of State Richard H. Austin, first as Assistant Secretary and then as Deputy Secretary of State. He was proud to have played a role in Michigan’s 1976 Campaign Finance Act and 1978 Lobby Registration Act, both of which sought to ensure transparency and accountability in elections and government. During Secretary Austin’s tenure, he also helped expand voter registration, strengthen protections for consumers purchasing or repairing motor vehicles, and support Austin’s national leadership on motor voter legislation, which eased the burdens of voter registration for millions of Americans. Dennis shared Secretary Austin’s passion for Michigan history and helped shepherd the design and construction of the Michigan History Center in Lansing.

After leaving state government, Dennis served as executive director of Gateway Community Services, an East Lansing agency dedicated to providing housing, case management, and protection for homeless teens.

Dennis loved cheering for University of Michigan sports teams and was an avid sailor. In the 1980s and 1990s, he participated in more than 20 Port Huron-to-Mackinac and Chicago-to-Mackinac races. In his later years, he enjoyed reading about politics and boating on Lake Lansing.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Sharon Neuner; his parents, George and Carol (Barrett) Neuner; and his brother, Craig. He is survived by his daughters, Beverly (Johanna), Rory (Kyle), and Renee (Ellen); his grandchildren, Haley (Liesl), Madison (Beryl), Jackson, Frances, Clare, Sophie, Rosy, and Wilder; his great-granddaughter, Jasper; his sister, Kristine (Bill); and his brothers, Glenn and Jeffrey (Jean) Neuner.

A celebration of life for Dennis and Sharon Neuner will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at the REO Town Clubhouse, 1314 S. Washington Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. All are welcome.