Dennis D. Rosen

Dennis “Denny” Dean Rosen, age 81, of Rockford, passed away on June 16, 2026 from the progressive effects of Lewy Body Dementia. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Denny will be remembered for his kind heart, warm smile, and quick wit. Denny is survived by the love of his life, Cheryl, with whom he shared more than 57 years of marriage; his four children, Melissa (Brian) Wilbur of Lakeville, Minnesota, Rachel (David) Kuntzsch of Lansing, Eric Rosen of Wyoming, and Amanda Rosen of Wyoming; his brother Donald (Linda) Warner of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and four grandchildren, Benjamin and Samuel Kuntzsch and Erin and Leah Wilbur. Denny was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Elenora (Bergmann) Rosen; his brother Gary Rosen; sister Joan (William) Sanford; niece Angela Warner and infant son Jason Paul.

Born in Princeton, Minnesota, he received a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College in 1967. He moved to Michigan to teach elementary school in Perry and Parchment before transitioning to administration roles beginning as his children’s elementary school principal and superintendent in Litchfield. In the final decades of his 44-year career in public education, he was superintendent in Reed City and Morley Stanwood and an administrator at Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District. Along the way, he became a devoted Spartan fan while receiving his master’s degree from Michigan State University. He went on to receive an education specialist in leadership certification at Western Michigan University. Denny’s commitment to serving others extended beyond education to board and committee roles within his communities and churches.

Shaped by his love of watching college sports, Denny had a knack for remembering college towns and mascots of teams across the country. His March Madness bracket was always optimistic for his beloved Spartans. From family road trips in the 1980s guided by his trusty atlas to traveling the world with Cheryl, Denny enjoyed experiencing new places. Yet, he was most content at home with his family, relishing celebrations and everyday moments with his children and grandchildren. They were the center of his pride and joy.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI. A visitation will precede the funeral from 10 to 11AM. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church in celebration of Denny’s life.

The presence and support of friends are what matter most to Denny’s family. Those who wish to express their condolences with a gift may make charitable contributions to Faith Hospice or Trinity Lutheran Church, where funds will be dedicated to youth programs.

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