Dennis Frank Polega

October 24, 1952 - January 24, 2022

Dennis Frank Polega, 69 of Kinde, Michigan passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, January 24, 2022. Dennis and Laurie (Craig-Buchkowski) were friends for many years and had a serendipitous meeting in 1995 which led to their marriage in Caseville, Michigan, on September 28, 1996. They were pleased to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in 2021. Dennis was born in Bad Axe, Michigan on October 24, 1952. He spent his childhood on the family farm of his parents, Irvin Frank and MaryAnn (Talaski) Polega. He attended Jericho Country School and graduated from Harbor Beach Community High School in 1971. Dennis worked for many years at the former Active Industries in Elkton, Michigan, until he got the urge for a change and went to work for NutriSweet in Harbor Beach. He worked there throughout their various renditions and retired from Dow AgroScience in 2018 after over 35 years of service. Dennis had a servant’s heart and could not refuse a request for help. He enjoyed carpentry, old engine shows, trains, flea markets and trips to the casino. He had a deep love for his family. Dennis is survived by his wife, Laurie and his four children; Cheryl (Michael) Scott, Ida, Michigan, Amy (Kenneth) Anderson, Moncks Corner, SC,Jason Polega, Bad Axe, Michigan, Sara (Chad) Santos, Brighton, Michigan and two stepchildren; John (Lynn) Buchkowski, lawton, Michigan, Jami (Joshua) Shea, Wellston, Michigan; 11 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by three brothers; Bernard (Lili) Polega, Grand Saline, Texas, Ronald Polega, Caseville, Michigan, Melvin (Sandi) Polega, Allegan, Michigan, and four sisters; Patricia (Ronald) Carpenter, Davisburg, Michigan, Linda (Robert) Kozfkay, Lexington, Michigan, Joyce Messing, Tacoma, Washington, and Irene (David) Muehlfeld, Caseville, Michigan. Also survived by his mother-in-law, Lorraine Craig, Bad Axe, Michigan; 6 brothers-in-law; Gregory (Julie) Craig, Bad Axe, Michigan, Rodney/Joe Craig, Caseville, Michigan, Brian (Jeanne) Craig, Potterville, Michigan, Barry Craig, Northville, Michigan, Mark (Patti) Craig Schoolcraft, Michigan, Randy (Anne) Craig, Croswell, Michigan; 3 sisters-in-law, Diane Bergey, Imlay City, Michigan, Donna (Thomas) Walsh, Sebewaing, Michigan and Melissa Craig, Bad Axe, Michigan and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceeded in death by his parents, Irvin and MaryAnn, his father-in-law, John J. Craig, sister-in-law, Carol Polega and brother-in-law, Art Bergey Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 11 am at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe. Burial will be in St. Roch Catholic Cemetery in Caseville. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 2 – 8 pm or Friday from 10 am until the service time at 11 am at the Kaufman Funeral Home. Memorials may be offered to the Scheurer Health Foundation.