Dennis "Denny" Robert Mehling

Dennis “Denny” Mehling, age 79 of Jenison, Michigan, passed away on Friday, December 13, following injuries sustained in a tragic fall. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Josephine (Jo); sons Matt (Kristy), and Mike (Joy); grandchildren Brett, Gina, Leah, Vincent and Carmela; brother, Dan Mehling (Mary Lou); and sister, Sue Grosjean.

Denny grew up on the West side of Grand Rapids and graduated from Lee High School. He was a fiercely competitive multi-sport athlete, but baseball was always his greatest passion. He played baseball for over 15 years, enjoyed softball for five years, and spent more than a decade coaching Georgetown Little League teams, creating cherished memories for the young players he guided.

Denny built a successful career as a manufacturer’s representative in the auto parts industry, running his own company, Wonderland Marketing, for 40 years. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Denny loved to travel to Mexico and spent summers on Lake Michigan fishing for salmon and trout, listening to music, and walking along the beach.

Denny loved to sing…on the boat, while fixing things, at the store, or just about anywhere he went. He loved many different types of music and always marveled us with his ability to seemingly know every word to every song.

Denny had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and had an uncanny knack to communicate with them. Denny never threw food in the trash because any extra scrap would be taken outside to feed the animals in the park behind his house. While lying in the hospital in his last week, he reminded his family to remember to feed the squirrel, who had become his latest friend.

His life’s guiding light was his devotion to and love for his family and friends. He was always going above and beyond to lend a hand in any way he could. He loved to tell people about his kids' and grandkids' accomplishments and would beam with pride. Denny loved his family deeply, especially his wife, Jo.

Denny viewed life as a challenge, which he faced with a competitive spirit, determination, and resilience. Whether excelling in sports, building a business, or bravely battling and beating stage 4 cancer, Denny approached everything with an unshakable belief that nothing was impossible.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, Michigan. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Denny, memorial contributions may be made to Western Michigan Ronald McDonald House or a charity of one's choice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.