Dennis James Ernest

Dennis James Ernest, 61 of Ford River, passed away on February 13, 2024, with his loving family by his side following a brief and brave battle with pancreatic cancer.  Dennis was born in Ontonagon, Michigan to Donny and Betty (Bergroth) Ernest on October 14, 1962. Dennis graduated from Ontonagon Area High School in 1980. In high school Dennis met the love of his life, Chris Colgin. Dennis and Chris were married in August 1984 and moved to Escanaba where they raised their family.

Dennis was a skilled carpenter who worked in construction for many years before starting his own business New Look Construction. He was known for providing quality work for a fair price. This reputation earned him many repeat customers and referrals. Dennis was also a skilled mechanic who could maintain any vehicle well beyond its expectancy.

Dennis was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at the camp he built in Paulding, Michigan. He enjoyed sharing this passion with his children and grandchildren. Dennis was a devoted NASCAR, Indy Car and Detroit Lions fan. The family would like to thank the Lions for having the best season ever.

Dennis is survived by his wife Chris, daughter Hollie (Brad) Arts and son Tyler (Teegan), mother Betty, three grandsons Hayden and Colt Arts and Theo Ernest, a niece, nephews, and many cousins who were more like siblings. Dennis is further survived by many lifelong friends who he enjoyed sharing a cold can of Old Style with because all the kegs were sold out!

Dennis was preceded in death by his father Donny, sisters Laura and Diane, uncles Aaron Bergroth, Larry Ernest and Donald Hawkins, aunt Sharon Heerdegen, and cousins David Ernest and Dean Hawkins.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 19, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Cowen officiating.  A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held at Mo’s Pub immediately following the service. Friends and family are encouraged to wear flannel shirts and jeans in honor of Dennis. Burial will take place in the spring of the year in the Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Ontonagon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the NWTF Wheelin Sportsmen, 3010 5th Ave. South, Escanaba, MI 49829, or Camp Josh, 22567 Johnson Rd., Ontonagon, MI 49953.

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