Dennis Wayne Diener Sr.

Dennis Wayne Diener, Sr., 77, of Pigeon, died Sunday, July 29, 2018 at his home under hospice care with his loved ones by his side after a 13 year battle with cancer.

Dennis was born December 24, 1940 in Bay Port to the late John and Dorothea (Strieter) Diener.  He graduated from Pigeon High School in 1958.  He married Carol Cain on October 12, 1962 at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon.

Dennis was a master electrician and electrical contractor.  He and his wife purchased Clabuesch Electric from his employer, Walter Clabuesch in 1972 and later changed the name to Diener Electric, Inc in 1980.  Retiring after working 49 years as a electrician, and closing his contracting business, Dennis then worked with Bay Port Construction as a carpenter for several years.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, woodworking, playing softball and camping.

Dennis was baptized at Cross Lutheran Church on January 12, 1941 and was a lifelong member, serving in the past as an usher, bell ringer, Sunday School Treasurer, council member and sexton.  He was a member of the Pigeon Lions Club for 21 years and a past president.   He was also a 27 year volunteer member of the Winsor Twp Fire Dept, and served as chief for two years.  He was a 4-H leader for woodworking and a little league coach.  Dennis was an excellent craftsman with wood, crafting many beautiful intarsia and fret-work creations, plus various furniture items.

He is survived by his wife Carol; son Dennis Jr. (Patricia) of Lake Orion and daughter Lori (John) Rathje of Stow, Ohio; grandchildren Jenilee Rathje (Aaron) Voss, Joshua Rathje (Katelyn), Zachary and Emily Diener; brother Ronald (Judy) of Temperance and sister Deann Lewis of Grafton, WI; sister-in-law Sharon (Dieter) Mohr of Pigeon; aunt Doreen Schnitker of Sebewaing and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Marilyn Diener, brother-in-law William Lewis, father-in-law William Cain Sr, mother-in-law Cleo (Jaerling) Cain and brother-in-law William Cain Jr.

A memorial service will be 11:00am Thursday, August 2 ^nd at Cross Lutheran Church in Pigeon with interim pastor Rev. Michael H. Tamorria officiating.  Urn interment will be in Cross Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4:00-7:00pm Wednesday at Cross Lutheran Church and from 9:00am Thursday until the time of the service at 11:00am.  Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the services.

Memorials may be made to Cross Lutheran Church, Cross Lutheran Church Building Fund, Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.