Dennis Lawrence Sarsfield, 81

Dennis Lawrence Sarsfield, age 81, of Avoca, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories of a life well lived.

He was born on December 18, 1944, in Yale, Michigan, to Charles and Alice (Holesworth) Sarsfield. and lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a warm presence that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Dennis graduated from Yale High School in 1963. Throughout his life, he worked hard, enjoyed the company of others, and never missed an opportunity for a little humor. Those who knew him can probably still hear him asking, “Do you want to play euchre?” or saying with a grin, “I knew that — I was just making sure you were paying attention.”

After 35 years with Quality Packaging, Dennis began working as a salesman for Francek Water Conditioning. He had finally found the job he truly loved. For more than 20 years, he enjoyed going to work, meeting people, talking with customers, and taking satisfaction in what he did. Of the jobs he had throughout his life, Francek Water Conditioning was the one Dennis enjoyed the most, and he often spoke about the people he met and the work he was proud to do.

Dennis enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He will be remembered for his luck at euchre, Sunday get togethers barbecuing with family, mowing his grass, dance offs with his grandchildren. And especially going for drives while enjoying a beer, which started in the early ’70s with Linda.

On November 7, 1964, Dennis married the love of his life, Linda Francek, at the original Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Emmett. 

Linda preceded him in death on October 16, 2019. Dennis was also preceded in death by his children, Kevin, Matt, Shelly, and brother Chuck.

Dennis is survived by his daughters, Christine (Robert) Miller of Goodells, and Jessica (Michael) Keller of Avoca; his daughter-in-law, Josephine Trevino; his grandchildren, Amanda, Nathaniel (Amanda), Bethanie, Landyn, Aireonna, Aurora, and Autumn; and his great-grandchildren, Rhiannon, Zophia, and Madeline; his sister, Judy; along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish his memory. His family was the center of his world, and he took great pride in each of them.

A funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Emmett, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Fr. Tom Kuehnemund will officiate.

Denny will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Linda, at a later date.