Dennis G. Renaud

Dennis Gerard Renaud, 64, of Indian River, MI passed to his eternal life unexpectedly on Friday, July 6, 2018 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.

The youngest of eight siblings, Dennis was born on December 6, 1953 to Dennis and Ellen (Derusha) Renaud in Wyandotte, MI. He was raised in Ecorse, MI where he attended St. Francis Xavier School until its closure. To finalize his Catholic school education he transferred to Our Lady of Mt. Caramel in Wyandotte, MI, where he received his high school diploma.

He met Donna Galloway at the Ecorse Ice Rink, where they both played hockey. They began going steady December 15, 1969. Dennis and Donna were married on March 11, 1972 at St. Francis Xavier in Ecorse. In an effort to provide a safer environment for their family they moved to Indian River in March of 1982. They raised three children: Denneen, Dennis and Sara.

Dennis enjoyed coaching and cultivating young athletes while Donna cheered from the stands. He loved watching, playing, coaching and officiating all sports; most notably coaching hockey, basketball, baseball and football in downriver Detroit, Indian River, Alanson, Wolverine and Harbor Light Christian School. He was an avid outdoorsman of every season. Dennis touched many lives and will be greatly missed!

Dennis was a fixture in the community having worked for Burt Lake Marina, Tuscarora Township and Cross in the Woods. Most recently, in semi-retirement, he worked for Little Traverse Bay Golf Course. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Dennis was proud of his Native American heritage and was a citizen of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Donna (Galloway) Renaud, his children, Denneen (Frank) Smith of Alanson, Dennis (Angie Mitchell) Renaud of Indian River and Sara (Thomas) Radle of Petoskey. Considered the shining stars of his life are his twelve grandchildren: Jacob, Makenna, Connor, Chase, Avery, Joey, Delaney, Ryder, Josie, Taryn, Annabelle and Allie, his “lil Scout.”

Also surviving are his siblings: Larry (Ro) Renaud, Donna Bridges, Diane Sheldon, Joann (Joe) Cotellesse, Richard (Patty) Renaud, Dale (Pam) Renaud and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his infant son, Christian Michael, his parents, Dennis and Ellen (Derusha) Renaud, sister, Yvonne Payne, brother-in-laws, Robert Payne, Charles Bridges and David Sheldon, nieces, Cynthia Renaud and Carrie Renaud Turner, nephew, Paul Prosise, Jr. and close friend and mentor, Father Tom.

Family and friends will be received from 10-11am on July 14, 2018 at the National Shrine of Cross in the Woods with a memorial service, officiated by Father Vern, beginning at 11am. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Shrine Family Center.

Special thanks to the staff of McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital for their life saving efforts. Those wishing to make contributions to help offset funeral costs can send them to Denneen Smith, 7793 Smith Road, Alanson, MI 49706.