Obituary of Dennis Wayne Durek

 

Durek, Dennis W.
West Branch, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away at his home on Sunday morning, August 24, 2025. He was 75 years old.

Dennis Wayne Durek was born on February 16, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Marvin and Loretta (Foster) Durek. On January 28, 1978, he married the love of his life, Mary Jo McCrary, in Saginaw, and together they shared 47 wonderful years.

Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. Following his service, he worked as a heavy equipment operator with General Motors, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. Dennis was guided by his Christian beliefs and spiritual nature.

He enjoyed simple pleasures such as golf cart rides with Mary Jo around the neighborhood and playing cards with friends and family. Known as the “best neighbor on the block,” Dennis was kindhearted, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand without expecting anything in return. A true patriot, he was proud to display the American flag on beautiful days. Above all, Dennis cherished time spent with his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Mary Jo Durek; his children, Melissa (Shawn) McEvoy, Fred Manchester, and Michael Wilcox; grandchildren, Josh Laporte, Kristen Laporte, Megan (Corbin) Tahash, David Manchester, Christian Manchester, Kyle Manchester, and Allison Manchester; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Marsha (Ted) Ogren, Darwin Durek, Brenda Peake, Carol (Kelvin) Karp, Kathy (Randy) Steinbach, and Phil (Paula) Durek; sister in-law, Debra (Vescio) Chinery as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his son, Dennis David Durek Jr.; his parents, Marvin and Loretta Durek; his sister, Linda (Richard) Peake; his in-laws, Ron and Ila Mae McCrary; brothers in-law, Rodney McCrary and Tony Vescio Sr.; sister in-law, Tina Gee and his nephew, David Peake.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friends and Family will gather at Grace Baptist Church, 4619 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603 on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:30 a.m.  Military Honors will follow the service under the auspices of the United States Army. Private entombment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Grace Baptist Church in Saginaw.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Durek family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.

 

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