John Michael Denning Sr.

John Michael Denning, 85, of Adrian, MI, and Naples, Fla., passed away on Sunday, June 9,2024, in Adrian. He was born in 1939 in Chicago, IL. John attended Morgan Park High School and Northwestern University, where he earned a marketing degree. He was a proud member and lifelong supporter of his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. John married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Lois Holzhauser, also of Chicago, in 1961. He began his career at Braun & Aldridge before joining IBM in Chicago, where he had a successful career for 28 years. After leaving IBM in 1991, he joined Dev Tech Associates/Neo Media, where he ended his career in 2002. Throughout his life, John was active in his church as the treasurer, first at Ridge Lutheran Church in Chicago and then at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Palos Heights, Illinois. He also was a member of the Jaycees. John was an avid and talented golfer who “shot his age” many times and could claim seven hole-in-ones among his many accomplishments on the links. He also loved tending to his beautiful rose garden. Autumn weekends found him cheering on his favorite football teams—the Green Bay Packers, Northwestern Wildcats, Fighting Illini, and Michigan State Spartans—and usually hosting a tailgate with family and friends. In recent years, John has enjoyed living his best life at the Everglades Club in Olde Naples, Florida, and has been a friend to everyone he met. He served on the board of the community and enjoyed the title of bocce champion. But more than anything, John loved spending time with his wonderful family. His most important jobs were husband, father, and “Bop” to his nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was happiest when surrounded by his wife, kids, grandkids, and extended family and was always eager to find a reason to gather everyone together. John is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Vicki; daughters, Tracey (Jim) Carroll, Cynthia (Charles “Chip”) Moore, and Pamela Matusiak; and son, John Jr. (Brigitta). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jillian (Elliot), Wade, Victoria, Avery, Jack, Leo, Anna, Evelyn, and Ian; and great-grandson, Owen. His son-in-law, James Matusiak, preceded him in death, as did his brother George and sister Nancy Phillips. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

John Michael Denning Sr.

May 15, 1939 - June 9, 2024