July 27, 1943 -- Feb. 12, 2005

Denis L. Dipert, 61, residing in Bonita Springs, FL, formerly of Mishawaka, died Sunday, Feb. 12, at Hope Hospice, Fort Myers, FL. Denis was born July 27, 1943, the son of Virgil and Ruby (Kellie) Dipert.

Denis was born and raised in Mishawaka (Twin Branch) and loved the city. Denny was an alumnus of Beiger and Mishawaka High School.

Denny was an Army veteran and served in the Korean theater during the early stages of the Vietnam Conflict.

Denny worked at Richardson Homes in Elkhart briefly after the service. He worked part-time for the Town of Osceola as a street supervisor. He was also employed by Dodge Reliance as a maintenance machine shop supervisor, leaving Dodge for a position at AM General. At AM General, he was a maintenance skilled-trades supervisor. He was also employed by the State of Florida as an Alley Angel on Alligator Alley, assisting disabled motorists and booting stray gators back into their habitat.

Denny also worked as a park ranger and finally for the Parks Department of Collier County, FL. Denis's generous, unselfish spirit was immediately apparent to, and greatly appreciated by, all who he encountered. His pleasures were few and simple; a cold beer and tasty piece of cheese shared with friends and family, an engaging television program selected by his ever-present remote control, a relaxing golf game or day spent fishing or cruising on his boat, and a good deal at the supermarket. Not to forget cheering his Chicago Cubs or Notre Dame teams to victory.

Denny was preceded in death by his father, Virgil K., and a daughter, Julie Lynn Dipert.

Denny is survived by wife, Connie (Shaffer) of Florida; son, Brian (Lil) of Sacramento, CA; daughter, Kristi Dipert of Mishawaka; stepsons, Brian and Jeff Goodwin of Fort Wayne, IN; grandsons, Dylan Cressy and Austin Goodwin; sister, Betty Mae (Vern) Freeze of Pottsboro, TX; brothers, Leroy "Bud" (Deena) of Mishawaka, Tracy of Mishawaka and Kirby (Vicky) Dipert of York, PA; his mother, Ruby Dipert of Mishawaka; and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may visit from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, in the funeral home, with Dean Freeze officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association (Florida Chapter), Suite 110, 5005 W. Laurel Street, Tampa, FL 33607.