Michael William Dent, 48, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 2nd 2018 in his home where he was cared for by his family, care takers, friends, neighbors and church community. Mike was born June 9, 1970 in Detroit, MI to the late William Frank and Geraldine Ann (Magalski) Dent. He grew up in Toledo, OH, spending every weekend and summers at the family cottage in Greenbush, Michigan. On June 19, 1993 he married Christiane Katharina Heidt after falling in love and moving to Frankfurt, Germany. It was there where he finished his studies and found his passion for cooking and traveling. While living in Germany he was able to travel across Europe, getting to meet new people and experience different cultures. After his daughter was born in 1997 he returned with his family to the U.S. to raise his daughter and two sons at the shores of Lake Michigan in Traverse City. He loved the outdoors; going camping, hiking, fishing, and sledding with his family. For the last ten years of his life he lived in Grand Rapids, MI where he was mostly a stay-at-home dad, putting home-cooked meals on the table, tending an urban garden, making pickles for neighbors, baking scones for teachers, reading to students and using every opportunity to bring the community together. Even though the last two years of his life were spent bed-bound, he never lost his sense of humor and made everybody who cared for him or visited feel loved and appreciated. He will be missed dearly by everyone who crossed his path. Mike is survived by his wife, Christiane Dent and three children, Lily, Calvin and Noah Dent; his mother Geraldine Dent; his sisters Deb Dent and Laurie (Eddie) Caner; his brothers Chris Dent and Steven Dent as well as his nieces and nephews Abbigale, Riley, Arabella, Stella, Ada, Roscoe and Isaac. He is preceded in death by his father, William Dent. Cremation has taken place and a memorial mass with a celebration of his life will be held Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 10:30 am with luncheon to follow at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to the "Alliance for the Great Lakes" in Mike's name.



Service Information

Service
When: Saturday, December 22, 2018 10:30am
Location: St. Thomas the Apostle Church
Address: 1449 Wilcox Park Dr. SEGrand Rapids,Michigan 49506