Dennis Zoladz

With a journey that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Dennis Zoladz lived a life filled with the people and things he loved. He was kindhearted and giving with a desire to help those around him in ways both great and small. His life’s focus was on making the most of the moments he was given. Although he will be deeply missed, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be forever cherished by those who were blessed to know and love him.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII occupied more and more of Europe. Although America had hopes of remaining neutral, those plans were destroyed in a mere moment on the morning of December 7, 1941, with the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor. After President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war the next day, countless young men and women were sent overseas while those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods and manufacturing that was focused on supporting the war effort. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1943 that was filled with unspeakable joy for a young couple from Detroit, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on January 21st. Dennis R. was one of three boys born to his parents, Stanley W. and Victoria J. Zoladz, and he was raised in the family home at Warren and Southfield in Detroit alongside his brothers, Ronald and James.

In many ways Dennis experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. He enjoyed fishing with his father and uncles, and he also tried out for hockey as a high school student at St. Alphonsus High School in Dearborn.

After graduating from high school in 1960, Dennis went on to take classes at Henry Ford Community College and later graduated with an associate’s degree. As a young man he spent three years serving his country in the United States Army. While in the service Dennis was stationed in Indianapolis, South Korea, and New Jersey. Accompanied by a strong work ethic, he spent 36 years working at Detroit Diesel.

Family was always very important to Dennis. His brothers along with his niece, Stephanie, and his nephews, Christopher and Zachary, were people he loved spending time with. When his parents needed more attention, it was Dennis who cared for them with until their death. More recently he had been taking care of his brother, Ron. One of his favorite memories with his brother, Jim, was when they went golfing together in Biloxi.

As his family and friends can attest, Dennis was a classic car enthusiast. Through the years he acquired quite a collection, too, as it grew to include a ’64 Fairlane 500 Convertible, ’65 Mustang, ’78 Corvette, ’80 Mercedes (2 seater), ’88 Corvette, and a ’90 Jaguar as well as a motorcycle. In addition, Dennis loved watching NASCAR and professional football.

A blessing in the lives of those around him, Dennis Zoladz was uniquely extraordinary in several ways. He was a savvy investor who knew how to make money in any conditions and a classic car fanatic. Dennis was willing to work hard in everything he did and a firm believer in doing things right the first time. As was shown through the meticulous lawn he kept. Although his life ended much too soon, Dennis will never be forgotten.

Dennis Zoladz died on November 7, 2014. Dennis’ family includes his brothers, Ronald and James (Martha); nephews and niece, Christopher, Zachary, and Stephanie. Dennis was preceded in death by parents, Stanley and Victoria. Family will receive friends Sunday 2-9 p.m. at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Road, Canton, with a family led eulogy at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Monday 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555. S. Lily Road, Canton. Instate 10:00 a.m. until Mass begins. Interment at St. Hedwig Cemetery. Please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com where you may sign the guestbook, share a memory, or upload a photo.