Dennis Joseph Defever, of Remus, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026, at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89 years old.

Dennis was born on June 22, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to Edgar and Dora Defever. Originally from St. Clair Shores, Dennis and his wife, Patricia, began raising their family there before moving to Remus in 1974, where they established lasting roots and continued building their life together.

On January 25, 1958, Dennis married the love of his life, Patricia DeBusscher. Their story began in high school when Pat invited Dennis to a dance, knowing he was quite the dancer. That simple invitation marked the beginning of a beautiful partnership that would span more than 68 years. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to one another.

Dennis learned the plumbing trade at just 14 years old, working alongside his father. With a strong work ethic and pride in his craftsmanship, he eventually established and operated his own plumbing business. Following the family’s move to Remus in 1974, Dennis spent several years farming before returning to his trade. He later served as a plumbing inspector for the City of Mount Pleasant, where his experience and knowledge were greatly valued.

Dennis was a man of quiet strength, honesty, kindness, and unwavering integrity. Even as a young man, his character left a lasting impression. In his high school yearbook, his classmates described him with these words: “Everyone can have a friend who himself knows how to be a friend.” Those words proved to be a fitting reflection of the man Dennis would remain throughout his life. He wasn’t always the loudest person in the room, but when he spoke, people listened. His words were thoughtful, his wisdom respected, and his actions reflected the values by which he lived. He had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and a distinctive, unmistakable laugh that could bring smiles to everyone around him.

Dennis found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed camping, playing board games and cards, and spending time with family and friends. Ballroom and square dancing were especially meaningful to Dennis and Pat, remaining a treasured part of the love story that began on a dance floor so many years ago.

His Catholic faith was an important part of his life. Dennis was a dedicated member of St. Lucy Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores and later St. Michael Catholic Church in Remus, where he continued his commitment to his faith and parish community.

Above all, Dennis’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Together, he and Patricia raised five sons, building a foundation of faith, love, hard work, and strong family values. Dennis believed in keeping his word, treating others with respect, and finding happiness in the simple moments shared with those he loved. He may not have always expressed his love through words, but his steady presence and quiet example spoke volumes.

As the Defever family continues to grow through children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and generations yet to come, Dennis’s legacy will remain deeply rooted in the family he and Patricia built together. His greatest tribute will be found in the traditions they carry forward, the gatherings they continue to share, and the love and support they show one another. Though his place at the family table will be deeply missed, the roots he helped establish will continue to grow stronger with each passing generation.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; his five sons, Steve (Karen) Defever, Kevin (Delphine) Defever, Brian Defever, Daniel Defever, and David (Tonya) Defever; his brothers, James Defever and Frank (Rosemary) Defever; and his cherished grandchildren, Brienne’ (Joey) Cates, Stephanie (Michael) Gillam, Dakota (Stephanie) Defever, Andrew (Jillaine) Defever, David (Hannah) Defever, Jordan (Alexandra) Defever, Brittney (Matthew) Schwarck, Kalynne (David) Connolly, Tyler (Alexis) Canfield, Connor Defever, Derrick (Natalie) Defever, Melanie (Joseph) Toro, Grace Defever, Emily Hamann, Aaron Hamann, Mitchell Hamann, and Maggie Hamann. He also leaves behind 21 beloved great-grandchildren, with one more precious blessing on the way.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Dora Defever; his sister, Mary; and his daughters-in-law, Jody Defever and Chris Defever.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Janowicz Family Funeral Home (469 W. Wheatland Ave. Remus, MI 49340).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church (8929 50th Ave. Remus, MI 49340), with Father Lou Anderson serving as celebrant. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to St. Michael School in Remus, Michigan, or God’s Helping Hands in honor of Dennis.

The family has entrusted Dennis’s care and funeral arrangements to Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, Michigan.