A memorial service at Ancilla College to celebrate the life of Dennis will be held on Tuesday, April 10th at 10 a.m. in the Ancilla Domini Chapel. A reception will follow with light refreshments. Dennis Lee Emmons, 53, a Plymouth resident most of his lifetime, passed away, following an illness, early Saturday morning, in the Catherine Kasper Life Center, on the grounds of Ancilla Domini in Donaldson, Indiana.
Dennis was born in Lakeville, IN., on February 1, 1959, the son of Dennis L. Sr., and Leila L. (Dinkledine) Emmons.
Dennis graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1977. He attended Purdue University and earned his Associate Degree from Ancilla College and his bachelor’s degree in Business from Indiana Wesleyan.
On May 3, 1986, Dennis and Joan L. Mitchell were married in Plainfield, IL.
He loved his family very much and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Dennis is survived by his wife, son and two daughters. They are: Ryan M. Emmons, South Bend, Jillian M. Emmons and Rachel E. Emmons, both of Plymouth.
His mother, Leila Emmons and Dennis and Maggie Emmons, his father and step-mother, all of Plymouth also survive along with a brother, Douglas L. and his wife SuAnn Emmons of Tennessee, a sister, Debra L. Emmons and his maternal grandmother, Mildred G. Dinkledine both of Plymouth, also survive, together with several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thelma and Sherman Emmons, Sr. and grandfather, Loren Dinkledine.
His career led to finance and administration, he had served as the Director of Ministry Services with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and sat on the Board of Earthworks. He was appointed Building Commissioner under Mayor Cook, and was well versed in historical architecture and building codes, having restored his own home on North Michigan Street and saved another which was steeped in family history, from destruction by moving it several blocks onto North Center Street. He remained active in real estate with the firm Masterson and Associates. He was co-owner of The Pointe, providing housing for Ancilla College students.
Dennis was a member of the Roman Catholic Faith. A huge fan of Notre Dame football and Plymouth High School basketball, attending most home games, but he was, first and foremost, a dedicated Ancilla College Charger. He promoted the baseball team and organized what was known as the “Big D” golf outing to raise funds for spring trips and even drove the team bus.
Dennis has been a key figure in many capacities. His support of Ancilla athletics has been constant since his days at the school when he was a member of the men’s basketball club team and was past president of the Alumni Association.
On January 11, 2011, he was presented with the first ever “Charger Award” honoring him for his tireless dedication and generosity toward Ancilla College athletics. He also received the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 12 “ Real Sport Award,” an award given to individuals who contribute to junior college athletics outside of the game.
The college also erected a permanent picture plaque dedicated to Dennis on the walls of Charger Arena at the Lifeplex complex.
Friends are invited to share memories with his family from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 29th in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.
A graveside service will be held on Friday morning at 11 a.m. in the New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth. The Rev. Fr. William Kummer will preside.
A celebration of Dennis’ life is being planned on the campus of Ancilla College and will be announced at a future date.
He loved Ancilla and it was his wish that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be made to Ancilla College as a scholarship fund.
Jeanie Martin says
DEBBIE AND FAMILY
I am so sad to read this! I know losing a brother breaks your heart! They take a piece of your heart with them!
You will be in my prayers as you navigate the process ahead of you! Keep those wonderful memories close to your heart!
Love you!
Shirley A. Gidley says
I am so sorry. He fought a strong battle. I am sure that he is at peace with his Lord.
My sympathy to all of the family.
I am going to bewith a son, but I will try and be there before eight on Thursday.
Gene Reese says
Dennis was a true friend of Ancilla College \”Charger\” Athletics. We just loved Dennis. He always was looking to help someone. When he meets God, God will say well done Dennis, you are a faithful servant. We will definitely miss him. He was \”Mr.Charger\”
Laura Roberts says
Dennis was so wonderful to my son when he came to Ancilla. We were so comforted knowing he was there in our absence. He was such an outgoing and nice person. My sincere condolences to his family.
margie pixey says
Of the short time Dennis was a resident at CKH, I discovered how much love he gave others and how everyone loved and respected him. He was a very determined and spiritual individual allowing God to guide his descisions. Many will feel the loss of Dennis but rejoice in his being free from physical pain and being welcomed to the eternal home with our loving God. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Dennis\’s family and closest friends. He was a wonderful man.
Chaplain Margie Pixey
JOHN & KATHY WADE says
DEAR EMMONS FAMILY.
so sorry for your loss . you are in our thoughts and prayers .
Anonymous says
We were sorry to hear of Dennis passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Don Towle family
Holli Shorter-Pifer says
I am so sorry to hear about Dennis\’ death. I know he is at peace now. He is most likely having a grand ole time with Sister Mary Delores. We will all hold memories of Dennis in our hearts. We had so much fun at Ancilla during our college days. I will forever remember him.
Holli Shorter-Pifer
Sue (Wagoner) and Bob Geist says
Our sincere condolences to the family. Praying to the Lord for strength for all during this time.
David Fruits says
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Dennis\’s family.
May Crider says
To the Family,
My name is May Crider and I had the pleasure of working with Dennis at the PHJC Ministry Center. Dennis was fun and funny. I often told him he missed his true calling – stand-up comedian! I was gifted in being able to spend some time talking to him last summer while he visited here on Campus. He was very hopeful then that he could battle cancer and win. I feel that by having this positive attitude, he did win. I got a big hug before he left that day and am so glad for it. I also got to see that big smile.
I pray for all of you and hope you will find your memories to be healing and hopeful in the difficult times ahead.
Sincerely,
May
Sr. Kathleen Quinn says
To the Family of Dennis L. Emmons, Jr. I want to express my deepest sympathy and to let you know that Dennis will be in our prayers. His contributions to Ancilla College is greatly appreciated. May Dennis rest in peace and in the love of our God. Sincerly
David Sisk says
This is a loss that makes you very sad and ask yourself why Big D. I had the pleasure of growing up with Denny as kids on the ridge, were we spent lots of play time together and had times as kids. I knew Denny was destine for great things then and seeing him as big part of his community delites me. Big D will be very much missed by all. For Denny Sr Leila, Doug and Debbie we just want you to know that are thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through these difficult times my God Bless you all
David and Debra Sisk Jr
Debbie Choate (Sisk)
Jean Sish
David Sisk Sr
Susan Thielmann says
I didn\’t know Denny well, but what I came to know of him was that he was a joyous, happy man. He had a smile that was contagious and would turn your frown into a smile just watching him. He had the gift of telling a story in a way that brought laughter. I thought of him daily towards the end and I prayed for him then as I do now.
He will be missed I know.
Rest now Denny and look down on us and help us now from above.
R.D. Rogers says
Our sympathy to all your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Buzz &Judy Rogers
Gary & Trish Rogers says
Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you! I cherish all of our childhood memories together. Denny will be surely missed! Gary & Trish Rogers
Jeff Eller says
Our sincerest condolences go out to Big D\’s family and friends. Dennis was one of a kind. He cared for every young man that came to Ancilla and gave in so many ways to numerous to mention. It was a great comfort to know that there was someone like Dennis there to help mentor and guide our son when we dropped him off as an 18 yr old Freshman. He was like a father to all of those boys and it truly took alot of the stress and anxiety off of us parents as we let our children go out into this world. It was nice knowing that even though we were 200 miles away, Dennis was always there to help with homework or solve a girlfriend problem or an \”I miss home\” problem. Ancilla could not have had a better ambassador than Dennis. All of the young men who\’s lives he touched are better men because of Dennis. He will truly be missed by all of us. Rest in peace Big D. We miss you already, Jeff, Karla and Jared Eller
Kristine Eisenhour says
Dear Emmon\’s Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Dennis has passed. It was quite a shock, we didn\’t realize he\’d been sick. Kyanne, Kameron and I sat around and shared memories of Dennis and how nice he always was to the kids. I hope you find peace in knowing you have a great guardian angel looking out for your whole family!
Prayers and blessings to everyone life that Dennis touched.
Debora (Minor) Swartz says
My deepest sympathy to Denny\’s family. I knew Denny from high school in Plymouth, and had reconnected with him on Facebook last year. We shared some very nice conversation via the internet, which I am grateful to have had that opportunity. I was looking forward to seeing him at our 35th class reunion this fall. I\’m sure he will be sadly missed by all those so close to him, family, friends, and co-workers and Alumni of Ancilla College, and community of Plymouth. I believe that Denny will see the face of God, an have eternal life. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Don and Shirley Schlegel says
To Lee, Dennis & Maggie, Ryan, Jillian and Rachel.
Thank you for sharing Denny with us for so many years. He really became our \”second son!\” We have so many special memories. There was no laugh like Denny\’s! When he laughed, everyone laughed! He was a mean spoons player! He made the trip to pick up Mark in a serious snow storm! Such fun times on the Tippecanoe River! And…he was right there to help whenever or wherever he could and was always there to hand out encouragement when needed. So many special memories of a very special man. He loved each of you deeply. He loved Ancilla and the Plymouth community.
He is going to be sorely missed but what a blessing he already is in Heaven!
Our love to each of you.
Mark Ramsbey says
I am so sorry to hear about Dennis. Your family was always kind and helpful to me including restoration of my old baby blue Mustang. I knew Dennis in high school and he was a great guy.
Prayers for all of you to find comfort at this time….
Mark
Diane Wheeler says
Our deepest sympathy to Dennis\’ Family. We met Dennis for the first time last summer. It was so obvious how much the young men on the baseball team meant to him. The golf outing was a great time and so was Trivia Night. He will sadly missed .
Sandra E. Anderson says
I wanted to write and tell you how very sorry I am for your loss.
Dennis was such a special unique person that no words are adequate. I have fond memories of working with Dennis many years ago at his first employment after his graduation from Ancilla College which was the start of our long friendship. It wasn\’t possible to meet Dennis and not love him.
My deepest sympathy to the family and many many wonderful friends.
Sandy Anderson
Kandi Kennedy says
Debbie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this diffcult time.
Mark McDonnell says
The LaSalle Grill family send its deepest condolences to the family of Dennis Emmons. Though none of us know Dennis directly, we know that he must have been a great father. His son Ryan works with us at the Grill and is one of the nicest and hard working individuals that we\’ve ever had on our staff. We mourn Ryan and his family\’s loss.
Karol Krohn says
My sincere condolences to Jillian, Rachel, and Ryan — and to the rest of Denny\’s family. We will all treasurer memories of the \”gentle giant\” he was, one who always looked for the best in others and took the time to remind people of their special qualities. Denny surely knew how to boost the spirits of family and friends. What a gift he had for spotting humor in almost any situation and his unfaltering readiness to share his joy-filled outlook on life with others. Hold on to those memories, those treasures of his life. Keep family and friends close at heart and never skimp when sharing laughter and love. Denny already gave you all the \”gifts\” needed to reclaim your strength and restore your happiness in the years ahead — a Christian home, unconditional love, siblings and other relatives with whom to share precious memories, words of encouragement, and endless family love. Those gifts will guide and support you through the years ahead; and the loving relatives your dad left for you (e.g., your aunts, uncle, cousins, grandparents, and, especially your siblings) will be there to help when you need an extra boost. May you always feel and find comfort in remembering the special love Denny felt for each of you.
Blessings & love,
Karol
(PHS \’77)
Amy Allison says
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all and in Celebration of Dennis\’s life…GO CHARGERS!!:)
Kristin Quintana says
Ryan, Jillian and Rachel-
My deepest sympathy extends to you and your family on the death of your father, Dennis. He was loved by so many, and known for all his great accomplishments and efforts to Ancilla. I hope you cherish the great memories you had with him. Everyday is truly a treasure from God. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Eric & Kristin Quintana
Renda Keilman says
I\’ve known your dad since high school and he was really a great guy. He was always kind and sweet and willing to give up his time to help. I will miss him. You all are in my prayers.
DAVID AND LINDA CHANDLER says
DEAREST EMMONS FAMILY, I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF DENNIS.HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A HUSBAN,FATHER AND COMMUNITY LEADER WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY ALL HE TOUCHED. OUR HEARTFELT LOVE FOR ALL OF YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
Jeanie Martin says
DEBBIE AND FAMILY
I am so sad to read this! I know losing a brother breaks your heart! They take a piece of your heart with them!
You will be in my prayers as you navigate the process ahead of you! Keep those wonderful memories close to your heart!
Love you!
Shirley A. Gidley says
I am so sorry. He fought a strong battle. I am sure that he is at peace with his Lord.
My sympathy to all of the family.
I am going to bewith a son, but I will try and be there before eight on Thursday.
Gene Reese says
Dennis was a true friend of Ancilla College \”Charger\” Athletics. We just loved Dennis. He always was looking to help someone. When he meets God, God will say well done Dennis, you are a faithful servant. We will definitely miss him. He was \”Mr.Charger\”
Laura Roberts says
Dennis was so wonderful to my son when he came to Ancilla. We were so comforted knowing he was there in our absence. He was such an outgoing and nice person. My sincere condolences to his family.
margie pixey says
Of the short time Dennis was a resident at CKH, I discovered how much love he gave others and how everyone loved and respected him. He was a very determined and spiritual individual allowing God to guide his descisions. Many will feel the loss of Dennis but rejoice in his being free from physical pain and being welcomed to the eternal home with our loving God. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Dennis\’s family and closest friends. He was a wonderful man.
Chaplain Margie Pixey
JOHN & KATHY WADE says
DEAR EMMONS FAMILY.
so sorry for your loss . you are in our thoughts and prayers .
Anonymous says
We were sorry to hear of Dennis passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Don Towle family
Holli Shorter-Pifer says
I am so sorry to hear about Dennis\’ death. I know he is at peace now. He is most likely having a grand ole time with Sister Mary Delores. We will all hold memories of Dennis in our hearts. We had so much fun at Ancilla during our college days. I will forever remember him.
Holli Shorter-Pifer
Sue (Wagoner) and Bob Geist says
Our sincere condolences to the family. Praying to the Lord for strength for all during this time.
David Fruits says
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to Dennis\’s family.
May Crider says
To the Family,
My name is May Crider and I had the pleasure of working with Dennis at the PHJC Ministry Center. Dennis was fun and funny. I often told him he missed his true calling – stand-up comedian! I was gifted in being able to spend some time talking to him last summer while he visited here on Campus. He was very hopeful then that he could battle cancer and win. I feel that by having this positive attitude, he did win. I got a big hug before he left that day and am so glad for it. I also got to see that big smile.
I pray for all of you and hope you will find your memories to be healing and hopeful in the difficult times ahead.
Sincerely,
May
Sr. Kathleen Quinn says
To the Family of Dennis L. Emmons, Jr. I want to express my deepest sympathy and to let you know that Dennis will be in our prayers. His contributions to Ancilla College is greatly appreciated. May Dennis rest in peace and in the love of our God. Sincerly
David Sisk says
This is a loss that makes you very sad and ask yourself why Big D. I had the pleasure of growing up with Denny as kids on the ridge, were we spent lots of play time together and had times as kids. I knew Denny was destine for great things then and seeing him as big part of his community delites me. Big D will be very much missed by all. For Denny Sr Leila, Doug and Debbie we just want you to know that are thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through these difficult times my God Bless you all
David and Debra Sisk Jr
Debbie Choate (Sisk)
Jean Sish
David Sisk Sr
Susan Thielmann says
I didn\’t know Denny well, but what I came to know of him was that he was a joyous, happy man. He had a smile that was contagious and would turn your frown into a smile just watching him. He had the gift of telling a story in a way that brought laughter. I thought of him daily towards the end and I prayed for him then as I do now.
He will be missed I know.
Rest now Denny and look down on us and help us now from above.
R.D. Rogers says
Our sympathy to all your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Buzz &Judy Rogers
Gary & Trish Rogers says
Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you! I cherish all of our childhood memories together. Denny will be surely missed! Gary & Trish Rogers
Jeff Eller says
Our sincerest condolences go out to Big D\’s family and friends. Dennis was one of a kind. He cared for every young man that came to Ancilla and gave in so many ways to numerous to mention. It was a great comfort to know that there was someone like Dennis there to help mentor and guide our son when we dropped him off as an 18 yr old Freshman. He was like a father to all of those boys and it truly took alot of the stress and anxiety off of us parents as we let our children go out into this world. It was nice knowing that even though we were 200 miles away, Dennis was always there to help with homework or solve a girlfriend problem or an \”I miss home\” problem. Ancilla could not have had a better ambassador than Dennis. All of the young men who\’s lives he touched are better men because of Dennis. He will truly be missed by all of us. Rest in peace Big D. We miss you already, Jeff, Karla and Jared Eller
Kristine Eisenhour says
Dear Emmon\’s Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Dennis has passed. It was quite a shock, we didn\’t realize he\’d been sick. Kyanne, Kameron and I sat around and shared memories of Dennis and how nice he always was to the kids. I hope you find peace in knowing you have a great guardian angel looking out for your whole family!
Prayers and blessings to everyone life that Dennis touched.
Debora (Minor) Swartz says
My deepest sympathy to Denny\’s family. I knew Denny from high school in Plymouth, and had reconnected with him on Facebook last year. We shared some very nice conversation via the internet, which I am grateful to have had that opportunity. I was looking forward to seeing him at our 35th class reunion this fall. I\’m sure he will be sadly missed by all those so close to him, family, friends, and co-workers and Alumni of Ancilla College, and community of Plymouth. I believe that Denny will see the face of God, an have eternal life. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Don and Shirley Schlegel says
To Lee, Dennis & Maggie, Ryan, Jillian and Rachel.
Thank you for sharing Denny with us for so many years. He really became our \”second son!\” We have so many special memories. There was no laugh like Denny\’s! When he laughed, everyone laughed! He was a mean spoons player! He made the trip to pick up Mark in a serious snow storm! Such fun times on the Tippecanoe River! And…he was right there to help whenever or wherever he could and was always there to hand out encouragement when needed. So many special memories of a very special man. He loved each of you deeply. He loved Ancilla and the Plymouth community.
He is going to be sorely missed but what a blessing he already is in Heaven!
Our love to each of you.
Mark Ramsbey says
I am so sorry to hear about Dennis. Your family was always kind and helpful to me including restoration of my old baby blue Mustang. I knew Dennis in high school and he was a great guy.
Prayers for all of you to find comfort at this time….
Mark
Diane Wheeler says
Our deepest sympathy to Dennis\’ Family. We met Dennis for the first time last summer. It was so obvious how much the young men on the baseball team meant to him. The golf outing was a great time and so was Trivia Night. He will sadly missed .
Sandra E. Anderson says
I wanted to write and tell you how very sorry I am for your loss.
Dennis was such a special unique person that no words are adequate. I have fond memories of working with Dennis many years ago at his first employment after his graduation from Ancilla College which was the start of our long friendship. It wasn\’t possible to meet Dennis and not love him.
My deepest sympathy to the family and many many wonderful friends.
Sandy Anderson
Kandi Kennedy says
Debbie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this diffcult time.
Mark McDonnell says
The LaSalle Grill family send its deepest condolences to the family of Dennis Emmons. Though none of us know Dennis directly, we know that he must have been a great father. His son Ryan works with us at the Grill and is one of the nicest and hard working individuals that we\’ve ever had on our staff. We mourn Ryan and his family\’s loss.
Karol Krohn says
My sincere condolences to Jillian, Rachel, and Ryan — and to the rest of Denny\’s family. We will all treasurer memories of the \”gentle giant\” he was, one who always looked for the best in others and took the time to remind people of their special qualities. Denny surely knew how to boost the spirits of family and friends. What a gift he had for spotting humor in almost any situation and his unfaltering readiness to share his joy-filled outlook on life with others. Hold on to those memories, those treasures of his life. Keep family and friends close at heart and never skimp when sharing laughter and love. Denny already gave you all the \”gifts\” needed to reclaim your strength and restore your happiness in the years ahead — a Christian home, unconditional love, siblings and other relatives with whom to share precious memories, words of encouragement, and endless family love. Those gifts will guide and support you through the years ahead; and the loving relatives your dad left for you (e.g., your aunts, uncle, cousins, grandparents, and, especially your siblings) will be there to help when you need an extra boost. May you always feel and find comfort in remembering the special love Denny felt for each of you.
Blessings & love,
Karol
(PHS \’77)
Amy Allison says
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all and in Celebration of Dennis\’s life…GO CHARGERS!!:)
Kristin Quintana says
Ryan, Jillian and Rachel-
My deepest sympathy extends to you and your family on the death of your father, Dennis. He was loved by so many, and known for all his great accomplishments and efforts to Ancilla. I hope you cherish the great memories you had with him. Everyday is truly a treasure from God. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Eric & Kristin Quintana
Renda Keilman says
I\’ve known your dad since high school and he was really a great guy. He was always kind and sweet and willing to give up his time to help. I will miss him. You all are in my prayers.
DAVID AND LINDA CHANDLER says
DEAREST EMMONS FAMILY, I WAS SHOCKED TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF DENNIS.HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A HUSBAN,FATHER AND COMMUNITY LEADER WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY ALL HE TOUCHED. OUR HEARTFELT LOVE FOR ALL OF YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.