Obituary: Julia Dennis

As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:

Julia M. Dennis, known dearly as Nana, Auntie Jo, or Jo, finally received her wish to see her Savior, heavenly family, and awaiting friends on Sunday morning, February 20th, 2022. She left peacefully, embraced by family at her side. As a celebrated-UP supercentenarian, the 112-year-old Hancock native lived a remarkable life, sharing precious nuggets of stories and experiences encountered throughout her lifetime, touching those Julia met along the way. Julia lived with the Lord always in her heart and in her back pocket unbound energy as she snuggled her black purse tightly that she always carried.

Julia was born on September 10th, 1909. She was the third of the four sisters born to Ann (Erickson) and Fredrick Carlson of Hancock. She was raised there and completed her schooling at Hancock High School as a 1927 graduate. After graduation, she worked at the Houghton County Courthouse in the Clerk’s Office. Julia continued her career with Richards Accounting in Houghton, which she eventually purchased. Later married and was blessed with a son, Lowell, “Skip” Dennis. She retired from the accounting business in her 70s but continued to prepare income tax returns well into her 90s.

An avid sports fanatic, Julia enjoyed football and hockey games. She continued this throughout her life, starting with her son to watching her extended family’s sports activities. Julia remained active her entire life, never learned how to drive but appreciated a good walk to her destination or a brisk shoveling of snow when she could.

Throughout her life, she was devoted to helping others. Julia did volunteer work within the community, knitting for the church Christmas tree her beautiful Swedish- Norwegian designs of hats and mittens. She volunteered to help her elderly friends with their physical therapy. Even in her twilight years, Julia would help with housekeeping at the nursing home.

Most important in her life was her relative and church family. She enjoyed family gatherings and outings. Julia never missed a church day at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church until the pandemic and was a lifelong member. She enjoyed baking goodies downstairs in the kitchen with the children. Her love for the Lord, fellowship and strong faith showed how she found the best in the simple human heart.

Julia is survived by granddaughters, Kim (Dave) Stevenson of Ann Arbor, MI., Kay (Dan) Campbell of Florence, WI., and Debbie (Erik) Beskow of Hales Corners, WI.; seven great-grandchildren, Alex (Vendela) Farmer of Ann Arbor, MI., Garrett Ambuehl of Ada, MN., Acie Ambuehl of Fargo, N.D., Kaden and Kolton Campbell of Florence, WI., Matt (Emily) Beskow and Sara Beskow of Hales corner, WI., and one great-great-granddaughter, Lilly Beskow; many nieces and nephews, including niece, Kathy (Wayne) Goulette, nephews, Bob (Mary) Hauswirth, Rick Hauswirth and Keith Hauswirth and their families. She was preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law, Skip and Pat Dennis of Kingsford, MI.

The family expresses appreciation to the Portage Point assisted living home members, nurses, caregivers, and those who participated in her care for the time she spent there.

A special thank you to all those who loved Nana as much as we did.

Julia made a difference in the lives of many. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock with Pastor Brahm Semmler Smith to officiate. Interment will be in the church columbarium. Friends may call at the church for an hour before the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or the Hancock High School.

The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. Please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com  to leave online condolences.