Dennis George Hawk

HAWK, Dennis George - Age 82, of Linden, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 24, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 9450 Duffield Road, Gaines. Fr. Santhiyagu Arockiyasamy celebrant. Visitation will be held at the church Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. Those desiring may make contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Dennis Hawk was born on June 13, 1943, in Flint, Michigan, the son of George Hawk and Norma Coggins. He was a 1961 graduate of St. Agnes Catholic High School in Flint. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart, Jill Joanne Smith. The two were married on August 17, 1963, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Flint.

Soon after their marriage, their family began to grow, all while Denny returned to school alongside his father, where they both earned Associate Degrees from Flint Junior College (now Mott Community College). After completing his education, Denny began a career with GM Buick Engineering, where he dedicated 35 years of service before retiring.

Denny and Jill went on to raise three wonderful sons: Tyler, Christopher, and Shannon. They made their home in the small town of Linden, in the house Denny built from the ground up, where they spent the rest of their years together. Guided by their strong faith, Jill and Denny built a lasting family legacy rooted in love, devotion, and togetherness.

Denny was deeply devoted to his church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he spent many Sunday mornings. He also enjoyed spending time with friends at the Loose Senior Center in Linden, playing cards and participating in activities. For several years, he ran euchre tournaments for various churches and community centers in the area and never passed up the chance to gather with friends at McDonald’s afterward. In addition to his love of cards, Denny had a passion for collecting movies and replica cars and airplanes.

He was well known among his family for his impressive knowledge and love of music, especially oldies like “Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker and “See You Later Alligator” by Bobby Charles. He disliked newer cars that lacked CD players because he could no longer play his beloved “mixtapes.” Another familiar sight was Denny with his home movie camera in hand; family members always stayed alert if they hoped to avoid appearing in the latest recording. Those home movies are now cherished treasures.

Above all else, Denny loved his family. In addition to his three sons, he gained two daughters-in-law: Terri, married to Christopher, and Crystal, married to Shannon. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Tyler’s children Jennifer, Alexis, and Zachary (Naomi); Christopher’s children Jared, Justin (Sara), Trevor, and Joshua; and Shannon’s children Taylor (Cameryn) and Jordyn. His joy grew even more with the arrival of his great-grandchildren: Colt, Cooper, and Cohen.

Dennis is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy (Jim) Peppin, Linda Myrant, and Lorraine Bollinger, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his beloved wife Jill, his parents George and Norma Hawk, his sister Janice (Tom) Kalfs, and several other dear family members.