Dennis Kearns

Dennis M. (Denny) Kearns died January 31, 2010 surrounded by his family.

He was born August 23, 1946. He graduated from St. Stephens Catholic High School in 1964. Denny married his bride and love of his life, Cecilia Kramp, on January 27, 1967. He was a lifelong resident of Port Huron. He sold real estate and insurance for Kearns Agency for over 40 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Ceci, his mother-in-law, Sara Kramp, and his children: Denise (Mark) Richard, Christine (Jason) Grossman, Cheryl (Kevin) Stein, Robert (Annmarie) Kearns, along with two adopted family members, James Zwolinski and Tiffany Kearns, and two furry friends Otis & Olivia. Denny is survived by eleven wonderful grandchildren: Sara & Austin Richard; Jason II, Jennah & Taylor Grossman; Peyton, Grace & Addison Stein; Brock, Kerig, & Riley Kearns. Denny is also survived by his brothers: Larry (Carla), Steve, Ted Jr. (Linda), Mark (Kelli), Tim (Jeannette) Kearns; his sisters: Carolyn (Bill) Bonacci, Maureen (Sandy) MacCallum, and Jackie (Ron) Mackensen, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted & Betty Kearns, his father-in-law, Robert Kramp, and two sister-in-laws, Theresa Kearns and Kathleen Devenney.

Dennys faith was the center of his being and the way in which he led his life reflected this. He was an active community leader currently serving his third term as a St. Clair County Comminissioner. Denny was a member of St. Marys Parish, and the Holy Trinity. He was a loving and devoted family man, and friend. He may be fondly remembered as; Dad, Big Ben, Papa, Commissioner, Coach, Elgin, Kenny Dearns, or just plain Mr. Kearns, regardless of the title, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He always had a smile on his face, a helping hand when you needed it, as well as a strong shoulder to lean on, and good advice for those willing to listen. Denny was also a member of the Elks Lodge, Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Old News Boys, and Old St. Stephens Athletes. The accomplishments for which he was most proud include: being a Papa, the Grand Marshall for the St. Patricks Day Parade in 2009, playing the role of the Father in The Nutcracker (2008), and serving on the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners.

Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church. The Rev. Zbigniew Zomerfeld will Officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Visiting hours are 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home and 10 a.m. until the service time Thursday at church.

Memorial may be made to Blue Water Hospice, VNA, St. Mary Church, Holy Trinity Parish, The Betty Kearns Little Black Dress for Breast Cancer or the St. Clair County Council on Aging.