Dennis Jay Tate's Obituary
Age 72, passed away at his home in Grass Lake, MI, on December 28th, 2020, in the care of his children and Arbor Hospice. Born in Kansas City, KS; one of 5 children of Ray and Carlene Tate. Raised in Grandview and a 1966 graduate of Grandview High, he then served in the U.S. Navy 1967-1971, followed by a successful 40 year career in the plastics industry, during which he was an inventor on multiple U.S. patents.
On January 17, 1970, Dennis married Laura Hollingshead, who preceded him in death on March 7, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his father; sister, Carol Menke; and brother-in-law, Bill Conroy.
Dennis is survived by his mother, Carlene Tate of Grandview, MO; his son, Brian (Michele) Tate of Littleton, CO; his daughter, Kimberly (Brian) Rogers and grandsons, Aiden and Dylan Rogers of Albion, MI; brother, Ron (Linda) Tate; and sisters, Linda (Jack) McCready and Barb Conroy; brother-in-law, Jerry Menke and many nieces and nephews.
A beloved son, brother, father, grandfather and uncle, Dennis loved spending time with friends, family and his companion of the past 10 years, Evelyn Hehl. Throughout his life, but especially in retirement, he enjoyed contributing his time and vast skills to good causes and hobbies. He loved cooking and building things, including a classic kit car. He especially loved introducing his grandsons to new skilled activities, such as working with each of them to build custom wood bedroom sets, secret hideaways, and patio furniture for their mom.
A celebration of his life will take place in spring/summer of 2021, in both MI and MO. As both their beloved parents were taken by cancer, the family requests donations to a Cancer organization of your choice, your local hospice, or the organization that was of great assistance to Dennis and his family the past few weeks, Arbor Hospice (2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103).
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