Dennis Dwaine Sturtz

Dennis Dwaine Sturtz, 75, of Pigeon, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025, peacefully in his home with his loved ones by his side. Dennis was born on August 5, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Stanley and Esther (Korzynski) Sturtz, and was a 1967 graduate of Nativity of the Lord Catholic High School. He earned an associate’s degree in culinary arts from Macomb Community College and spent the majority of his life as a chef in the communities he cared for. As part of this special connection, Dennis worked as an instructor for the Culinary Institute of Michigan (Port Huron) which he helped grow and flourish, and as the executive chef and general manager of The Garfield Inn in Port Austin. Dennis stayed active in his free time, serving as the youngest chairman of the Board of Directors for Macomb Community College, as a member of the Port Austin Community Players where he was Director of Arts, and filling the loving role of Santa Claus since the age of 17. He met his “Mrs. Claus,” Kathleen “Kat” Davidson Henderson through community theater and the couple married May 21, 2003. She survives him. Additionally, Dennis also loved fishing, hunting, coaching hockey, serving as a soccer referee, and sharing his knowledge and passion for cooking as a teacher and writer. Dennis is remembered for his larger-than-life personality, generous and outgoing nature, and for the loving job he did raising his son and the family that followed him.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Kat Sturtz; son Dennis (Theresa Aderhold) Sturtz, Jr.; grandsons Dennis (Lucy) Sturtz III and Nic (Kenyonna Knox) Sturtz; granddaughter Holly Woods; stepsons Eric (Lorena) Henderson; stepdaughter Amy (Andrew) Mendini; and sister Sharon (Bryan) Laubach; as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members, and countless friends.

In accordance with Dennis’ wishes, cremation is to take place, with a celebration of life memorial service held from 2:00pm - 5:00pm on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Port Austin Community Playhouse, 35 Railroad St. Port Austin, MI 48467. Casual attire is expected. Memorials may be made to the Port Austin Community Players or the Hospital Hospitality House of Saginaw. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Champagne Funeral Chapel of Pigeon. Please share your thoughts, prayers, and memories with the family at www.champagnefuneralchapel.com