Dennis Wilfred Roper

He was preceded in death by his mother Pauline (Johnson) and his father Fred Raper. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lorraine Fogleman, a daughter Denise Elaine and son Brent Wayne, Three brothers: Lanny and Lorraine (Shell), Steven and Sue (Reynolds), Michael and Linda (Brackney), two sisters: Paulette, Esther and Tim Woodward.

Dennis had a God given talent musically. He began playing instruments at an early age. He has played the piano, organ, accordion, guitar, harmonica and mandolin. He played by ear and couldn’t read a single note, but you couldn’t tell that in the way he played. He enjoyed the piano the most and had his own style. He loved tickling the ivories.

Dennis often told the story how God directed his life in the mechanical field. He graduated from Wilbur Wright Cooperative High School in 1966, with his major in auto mechanics. About a year after he graduated, he was drafted by the U.S. Army. He asked if they needed a mechanic and was told they needed a mechanic on the CH47 Chinook Helicopters, but he would have to join for another year, which he did. He served a total of 3 years, with 1 year tour of duty in Vietnam working on the helicopters. He had the distinct honor to be selected as an honor guard for President Richard Nixon in August 1969, then in January 1970, his Sergeant chose him to drive a 5-ton flatbed truck from Fort Lewis, Washington to Salt Lake City, Utah to pick up an observation helicopter and take back to Fort Lewis for repair. He was promoted to Specialist 5 in March, and then discharged in July, 1970. After his discharge from the Army, the next 3 years he worked at Detroit Diesel running engine dynamometers, and doing testing for them. From there he went to Ford Motor Company starting as a technician in the research laboratory division. He worked with other technicians as well as engineers on many different projects. He retired after 32.5 years, and his ending title was Scientific Research Technologist. In essence, he was working as an engineer without a degree. That’s why Dennis felt God blessed him with his mechanical ability.

Dennis also had a talent for photography. He was active in church serving on several boards and he also became known as the church photographer. He photographed church gatherings, Missionary Conventions, Conferences, Camp Meetings and graduations at the Bible School. In addition, he photographed many weddings, both locally and out of state, with West Point being his favorite, very near and dear to his heart.

Dennis enjoyed talking to strangers, making people laugh and took the time to listen. Dennis was a patient, meticulous and caring individual who loved to travel and left us with many loving and unforgettable memories.

A visitation for Dennis will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J. Will Funeral Homes, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. A funeral in state will occur Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 10:00 AM, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, with a funeral service at 11:00 AM, which will be live-streamed.

Dennis will be laid to rest in Great Lakes National Cemetery at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Roper family.