Dennis A. Potila
Negaunee
Dennis A. ‘Denny’ Potila, 66, of 153 Sunset Drive, Negaunee, died unexpectedly Thursday morning, July 31, 2014 at his home after suffering from an apparent heart attack.
Dennis was born July 23, 1948 in Negaunee to Albert and Martha (Hintsala) Potila, graduated from National Mine Schools, Class of 1966, and attended Northern Michigan University. He married his high school sweetheart, Lynn Walimaa, in 1967 and they settled in Negaunee. Dennis was employed as the Manager for Jasper Engineering, retiring in 2013.
Denny was a member of Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee, and the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for Negaunee Township. He was the ‘handyman’ in the family and could fix anything. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and being outdoors, and watching Nascar. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years, Lynn (Walimaa) Potila; and was a Swell Pa to 2 sons and 1 daughter: Patrick (Yvette Niemi) Potila of Negaunee Township and Bradly (Erika) Potila of Marquette, and Stacy (Brian) Elliott of Indianapolis; 8 grandchildren, Jordan Currie and great-grandson Mason, Sam and Sabrina McFerrin, Olivia, Tristin and Norah Potila, Ryan Tossava and Little Brian Elliott; 2 brothers: Duane Potila of Ishpeming and Doug (Pat) Potila of National Mine; mother-in-law, Ruth Walimaa; 3 sisters-in-law: Carol (Robert) Johnson, Jean Lund and Suzanne (Bill) Verhelst; special friend, Ruby Doucette; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale Potila; an infant sister, Dawne Potila; father-in-law, George Walimaa; brother-in-law, Fred Lund; and a special friend, Marvin Doucette.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm on Monday, August 4th at Mitchell United Methodist Church with Rev. Douglas Mater and Rev. Bill Verhelst officiating. Burial will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 2:00 pm until the time of services at 4:00 pm at the church on Monday, and also at a reception in the church hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, people are kindly asked to consider directing memorial contributions to the family home, 153 Sunset Dr., Negaunee, MI 49866.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of DENNIS A. POTILA, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.