Dennis Townsend

Townsend, Dennis R. 2/27/1945 - 4/27/2016 Aprilia Latina, Italy He was 71. Dennis was born in Kalamazoo, MI on February 27th, 1945, the oldest son of late Lt. Col. Glenn R. Townsend (USAF) and Mary Jean (Hill) Townsend. Dennis graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1964 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in August 1964. He served until February 1972 which included service in the Vietnam conflict. Dennis was awarded an Honorable Discharge for his service. After separating from the military, he moved his family to Amsterdam, the Netherlands where he found a new career as an aircraft mechanic with KLM Dutch Airlines. For 28 years, he worked on various aircraft as crew chief, flight engineer, trouble shooter and station manager. He retired in 2000. Dennis was a member of VFW Post 5855, a Red Cross Volunteer and a boy scout. He is survived by his wife, Dragana Jovic-Townsend of Italy; son, William (Bill) Townsend; daughter, Esther (Martijin) Peltenberg-Townsend; son, Glenn J. Townsend; with grandchildren, Rachel and Levi of the Netherlands; step-daughters, Diane Slater of California and Dunja Jovic of Italy. He is also survived by four brothers and their wives, Duane and Patty of Saint Joseph, MI, Stephen and Mary Alice of Saugatuck, MI, Bruce and Sherrie of Manassas, VA and Rob and Jenifer of Kalamazoo and four nephews, Joe, Cooper, Cory, Hunter; four nieces, Juliet, Mary, Molly, Katelin; and great-nephews and great-nieces. Private memorial service will be taking place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery on April 27th at 10 AM, followed by luncheon at the Beacon Club for the immediate family and close friends. Visitors wishing to remember Dennis can gather at the Air Zoo on April 27 from 2-4 PM. We have reserved rooms.