Dennis Oliver Poyhonen

Born and raised in the logging camps and copper mines of the Upper Peninsula, Dennis lived life on his own terms. A lifelong athlete, he excelled in hockey, football, basketball and track during his early years, earning a basketball scholarship to Suomi College. He still holds the 200 meter dash record he set in 1961 at Baraga High School, and was regularly referred to in the local news as the “Flying Finn.” He continued to enjoy golf and bowling, usually with friend of 42 years Duane Middleton, throughout the rest of his life.

Dennis enlisted in the US Navy in 1966, serving two tours as a decorated Yeoman on the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, demonstrating integrity that would shine throughout the rest of his life. Upon returning stateside, Dennis met and married his true love Mary Ellen. They were married in Acapulco, Mexico in 1970 and continued to travel the world extensively. Dennis still found the time to graduate from Eastern Michigan University. As he progressed into a lifelong sales career, it was clear that there wasn’t anything Dennis couldn’t sell or an award he couldn’t win. He took a tremendous amount of pride in knowing he could succeed with honesty and hard work, which was proven time after time with a long list of lifetime customers turned friends.

True to form, Dennis’ hard work didn’t stop after retirement. He remained active in the community with Mary Ellen at his side. Dennis planted trees, and cut & maintained trails in local Deindorfer woods. With any leftover time, they cut lawns of neglected homes throughout the city of Saginaw. Dennis found great joy in bringing beauty to his neighbors and improving his community. mlive.com/news/saginaw/2009/10/northmoor_neighborhood_associa_1.html

Above all else Dennis was devoted to his family.

He is preceded in death by his father Wilho (Bill), and his mother Sylvia. He continues to be cherished by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ellen “Pootsy” (Wells) Poyhonen, daughter Amy (Troy) Mauger, son Erik (Heather) Poyhonen and grandchildren Elizabeth, Jack, Katherine, Oliver and Jane.

He is also survived by loving brother Dale Poyhonen and brother-in-law John (Karen) Wells, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was larger than life and will remain forever in our hearts. His legacy (and strong Finnish genes) will continue on in his children and grandchildren. Those that knew him are better for it and will, more than likely, have the skill of telling a great story which they learned from him.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church (6094 Westside Saginaw Road Bay City, MI 48706) on November 28, 2020, at 1 p.m. During these challenging times, the family understands that many will not be able to attend. The service will also be livestreamed at facebook.com/stpaulfrankenlustbaycity. A “Dennis approved” celebration of life party will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to support St. Paul Lutheran Church (stpaulbaycity.org/) or Leaderdogs for the Blind (leaderdog.org/donate/) and that you please take a page from the Dennis playbook and hold your loved ones close, don’t forget the “I love you,” and share a story of one of your many life adventures.

We love you “Big D” and are forever grateful for the privilege of having you in our lives.