Dennis B. Parshall

Dennis Bruce Parshall, better known as “Denny” to friends and acquaintances, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021 in his Bitely home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer.
Denny was born January 2, 1946, to Bruce and Rose (née Thayer) Parshall in Lansing, the fifth of six surviving children and their eldest together. He was raised in rural Ingham County near Williamston, where he attended the one-room White Dog School. He graduated from Dansville High School where he participated in football, basketball, and track.
Denny graduated from Michigan State University, first in 1968 with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and later with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences, after serving more than three years in the U.S. Army. He remained a lifelong Spartan, and an avid supporter of MSU sports as well as a football season ticket holder.
Denny’s great passion was conservation, working with animals and the environment. He worked as a farmhand in his younger years, as a veterinary technician in the Army, in wastewater treatment with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and in environmental training and inspection with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
In 1986, he moved to Charlotte, Michigan, with his wife, Mary, where they raised their sons. They became active members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where Denny taught Sunday School for many years.
In his role with MDOT, Denny helped pioneer new methods and processes for handling hazardous materials. After retiring from the state, Denny worked part time as a substitute teacher and later, swimming instructor.
His love and know-how for the environment transcended his work life, and as an activist Denny fought against local installations of incinerators and microwave towers. His role in activism led to a brief career in politics as part of the Charlotte City Council and Charlotte Board of Parks and Recreation.
Those who knew Denny best knew his heart belonged to the outdoors. An avid sportsman, Denny could often be found away from home, camping and fishing, or hunting the wild turkey, white-tailed deer, or black bear with his sons and closest friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard, Duane and Jack O’Dell; sisters Marilyn Yeager, Sharon and Pamela Parshall; best friends, Bernie Reuter, Cleo Townsend, and Rod Hunt.
Denny is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary (née Antozak); sons, Bruce, Ryan “Jonny”, and Joel; grandson, Reece Myers; sister, Diane Parshall; best friends, Scott Cornelius and Jim Hayes; as well as many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces and siblings-in-law.
Denny’s Memorial will be held November 6th, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church of Charlotte, with visitation held 1 to 4 P.M., followed by Services at 4 P.M.
Please share a memory, picture, and condolence at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com
Arrangements and care by Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.