Cletus Francis Denoyer

Cletus Francis Denoyer went home to be with God on June 19, 2024. He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, husband and friend. He liked to help people and was always there for anyone who asked. He will be deeply missed by those who love him.

Cletus was born on April 16, 1937 to Louis and Esther (Osie) Denoyer. He was the oldest of 8 brothers and sisters Bernard, Patricia, Larry, Doris, Ronnie, Marcella, and Thomas. He grew up in Lake Leelanau, MI and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School. He earned a scholarship and attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI where he received a degree in History.

After graduation, he worked for a year as an elementary school teacher and then worked in various jobs until settling into being a Veterans benefits counselor at the Veterans Administration where he worked for 35 years.

On September 27, 1975, he married Gretchen Anne Pohnert and the two of them have been happily married for 48 years. Together they have 4 children Jean Paul, James Craig (Cecilia), Jacqueline Marie (Alfredo) and Cletus Francis Jr. (deceased), and one grandchild, Ariana Marie Castillo.

Cletus was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi parish, where he participated in many volunteer activities. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, Council 8989 and a member of the Lay Franciscans.

Cletus loved baseball and attended many Detroit Tigers games with friends and family. He was also an avid University of Michigan fan, watching games every Saturday and in particular, enjoyed seeing his daughter when she was in the marching band.

Cletus enjoyed taking camping trips with his family and they travelled to KOA campgrounds when the kids were in elementary school, visiting Boston and Washington DC. In later years, he travelled twice to Bolivia to visit his daughter and her family.

Cletus enjoyed gardening with his wife, and maintained a plot with Project Grow for many years in addition to their home garden. He enjoys reading, particularly books about faith and feel good stories. He likes to tell jokes and make people feel at home.

Memorial Mass will be held Monday, June 24, 2024 at 11:30 (Memorial Visitation 10:30am, Rosary 10:45am) at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2250 E. Stadium Boulevard, Ann Arbor. Cletus will be laid to rest in the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Memorial Garden.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Franciscan Missions.