Denis Dunnebacke

Denis Dunnebacke, age 70, passed away on July 16, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Lansing, music was central to Denis’s life. In his youth, he played the drums in a band and moved on to classical guitar. He eventually taught drum, guitar and keyboard to children and adults for many years. He was very active in church music ministry, which included working with a post-prison group. A devout Catholic, he arranged and composed music for Catholic masses and accompanied with guitar. In 1996, along with his good friend Fr. Bill Ashbaugh, he helped produce a CD titled “Mother of Life, Son of Mercy” that raised thousands of dollars for pro-life causes. Fr. Bill was the main singer, and all songs were engineered and mixed by Denis, who added his voice for harmony, and also added keyboard, bass, drums, trumpet and cello sounds. The lyrics for the title song were co-written by Denis and Fr. Bill, and the music was written by Denis.

He also loved to play tennis and was a competitive tennis player, often winning in tournaments. He loved to be fit and regularly ran or walked for exercise when he wasn’t playing tennis.

Denis was very invested in his family and cherished his nieces. When his nieces visited from Vermont, he would write a tune for them and get them to do duets with their recorders. His nieces enjoyed their fun, lovable uncle. He cared deeply for his younger brother David, and comforted him while he was in the hospital for almost a year with complications of diabetes. Denis visited him often until he passed away in 2006. Denis took on the challenge of caring for his mother in her home for many months, juggling his teaching business with taking care of her. It was a challenge that he accepted, but it became increasingly difficult as her dementia progressed.

Denis made friends easily with people from all walks of life, young and old. He was friendly and witty, and always had something to say about the many interests that he had.

He is survived by his sister, Renee Lagala; nieces, Amanda Fortier (Christopher) and Carmen Lagala; grand-nieces, Jocelynn Fortier and Arielle Fortier; grand-nephews, Brady and Cameron Fortier; his brother, Craig Dunnebacke and nieces, Crystal and Courtney Dunnebacke, as well as an aunt and many cousins and a very special friend, Annemiek Schilder. Thanks go to three cousins: Theresa Sumpter for her role as medical power-of-attorney and a friendly face, Leslie Charles and Mary Heist for offering help when help was needed.

He is predeceased by his parents, Leo and Rosemary Dunnebacke; his brother, David and his sister-in-law, Barbara Dunnebacke.

There will be an online Zoom memorial service remembering Denis on September 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Celebrant Leslie Charles will officiate. You can register for Denis’ commemoration in the FUNERAL CELEBRANT section of Leslie’s website. Visit www.lesliecharles.com to sign up any time after August 27. You will receive an invitation to attend. During the service you will be asked to offer your thoughts, remarks, or memories of Denis. Following the ceremony, anyone who wishes can remain online for casual conversation and catching up.