Obituary of Dorothy Marie Denn

Dorothy Denn, a truly gracious lady, passed away in Lake Havasu City, AZ on April 23, 2018 at the age of 96. She was born in Hurley, Wisconsin, graduated from Hurley High School, and received her nursing degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. While at Madison, she renewed her childhood acquaintance with E. Warren Peterson, who was there studying for his engineering degree. They were married in 1944. Dorothy and Warren enjoyed a life filled with friends and family, church, and travel until Warren's death in 1972. During their married years, they enjoyed long camping trips with the children, travelling to many destinations in the USA and Canada. Dorothy dedicated her early married life to raising their three children in Ishpeming, MI, Iron River, MI, and Atikokan, Ontario, Canada. After returning to Ishpeming, MI in 1966, she resumed her nursing career at Bell Memorial Hospital, working first in the OR, then as In-Service Facilitator and finally the Director of Nurses, until her retirement in 1983. Dorothy married her second husband, Paul Denn, on January 1, 2000, celebrating their marriage and a new century. With Paul, she enjoyed the changing seasons at their Lake Michigamme home. Paul introduced Dorothy to the beautiful Arizona desert at Lake Havasu, AZ, where they spent each winter until Paul's death in 2008. Dorothy continued to winter in AZ until her death. Dorothy was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, serving in many different capacities. Before and after her retirement, Dorothy was a member of the Michigan Directors of Nurses Association, West Marquette Community Fund, American Heart Association, Service Core of Retired Executives, American Cancer Society, the Advisory Board of Marquette General Hospital, and the League of Women Voters. She enjoyed volunteer work at UP Home Health and Hospice and as camp counselor and nurse at Presbytery Point Camp. Dorothy had an adventuresome spirit and enjoyed a challenge, as evidenced by her love of swimming across lakes, paddling down rivers, piloting an airplane, and traveling to six continents. When her first husband Warren, was promoted to a new post in remote Northwestern Ontario, she agreed wholeheartedly. She was an avid reader, especially enjoying her book club gatherings. Dorothy is survived by three children: Donald Peterson (Caron Christopherson), Brian Peterson (Valerie), Janice Peterson (Paul Herron), and five stepchildren: Diana Petrosky (Pete), Jackie Denn (Marty Calden), Colleen Leonard (John), and Michael Denn (Ruth Busch), Susan Taube (John); 14 grandchildren and step grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren and step greatgrandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held May 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church, 112 E. Euclid St. Ishpeming, MI 49849. Prior to the service there will be visitation from 9:30-11:00. Lunch will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to UP Home Health and Hospice or the United Presbyterian Church, Ishpeming. Cards and condolences can be sent to : Peterson Family, c/o Denn family, HC1 Box 2009, Michigamme, MI 49861 Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Dorothy's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.