Dennis “Denny DZ” John Zent, 87, Nappanee, died at 6:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at Goshen Hospital, after a long battle with cancer.
He was born May 16, 1929, in Calumet City, Ill., to Earl R. and Gertrude J. (Vogel) Zent. Dennis graduated from Lakeville High School. He married Ruth Thornburg on Oct. 30, 1949.
In 1960 he moved to Nappanee from Plymouth. Dennis worked for the Nappanee Street Department for 30 years, as an Equipment Operator, and also served a short time as Street Commissioner. Prior to that from 1946-1951 he was a Forklift Operator at Studebaker, and then worked at Mutschler Bro’s. He was a member of the Nappanee Fire Department for 33 years. He enjoyed model cars, drawings and watching his son play softball. As a Motorcross and Drag Racing enthusiast he followed his son to many races. He was a member of the Son’s of American Legion.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Dean (Keli) Zent; granddaughter, Samantha Zent.
He was preceded in death by a son, Denny Zent.
Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, and one hour prior to the 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29 funeral service all at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Cremation will follow and burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Plymouth at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be given to Nappanee Fire Department.