As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Denis William Skoglund, 78, of Houghton, Michigan, passed away on October 24, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Denis was born on April 26, 1947, in Marquette, Michigan, to Herbert and Edna (Lockard) Skoglund. He grew up in Munising and graduated from Mather High School in 1965. A proud Michigan State Spartan, Denis earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication – Speech, with a minor in English, and later completed a master’s degree in Educational Administration at Northern Michigan University.
Denis dedicated his career to education. He began teaching at Breitung Township Schools in Kingsford in 1969, where he also led adult education classes in the evenings. In 1990, he joined the Michigan Education Association as a UniServ Director, guiding and supporting teachers and staff throughout the region. Upon his retirement in
2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm honored him with a State of Michigan Special Tribute Award for his lasting contributions to public education.
On April 24, 1971, Denis married his best friend, Mary Ann Bourgeois. Together, they shared more than five decades of love and companionship – partners in every sense, devoted to one another and to the life they built together.
Denis had a lifelong passion for the outdoors and loved hunting, fishing, and traveling. He was also a dedicated ham radio enthusiast, always curious and interested in connecting with others near and far. Above all, Denis valued family and friendships. His steady presence, quick wit, and engaging spirit made every gathering brighter.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ann; daughters Marla (Dave) Brus of Portland, Oregon, and Ann (Nick) Murray of Clinton Township, Michigan; grandchildren Matthew and Katie Custer; sister Sherry Heikkinen of Pepin, Wisconsin; and extended family members and friends who loved him deeply.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Denis will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, November 1, 2025 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Houghton with Rev. Fr. Ben Hasse to officiate. Friends may call on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 4-6 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel.
Denis will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising, Michigan. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his service to education, and his ability to bring warmth and light to those around him.
To view Denis’ obituary or to send online condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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