March 2, 1947 — Dec. 24, 2018

On Dec. 24, 2018, Dennis Edward Fester left us too soon. He will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 37 years, Deb, and their sons, Corey (Jodi) Fester, Phillip (Lynn) Miller, Jeffery (Lizzie Lushinger) Miller and Aaron Miller. His 10 grandchildren, Aidan, Keely, Stacie, Siobhan, Casey, Kaleb, Ella, Chase, Reese and Kholton, will remember him as a happy family man, the grandpa that wanted to do it all. He never met a person that wasn’t his friend.

Den and Deb enjoyed raising their sons on the farm, also training and showing quarter horses together. Dennis loved his family and took every opportunity with his wife to travel many miles to support their grandchildren in sports and other activities.

He served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam War. Dennis earned an associate’s degree from SWM College. Den’s career included working in the RV industry, AT&T (Western Electric), and in 1991 after attending Wolverine Farrier School in Lowell, Michigan, he apprenticed with farrier, Mika Mankel, for two years in the Grand Rapids area before opening his farrier business in Niles. He had many dedicated customers, some being with him for 25 years. He was a true craftsman in his trade.

After semi-retirement, he began creating beautiful pieces of art made from iron that he would so generously give to family and friends.

He was a lifetime member of VFW Post1855 in Dowagiac.

Also surviving Dennis are his brother, Craig (Helen); sister, Marie from Dowagiac; one niece; one uncle and many cousins.

Preceding him were his parents, Vernon and Mary Fester and one grandson, Nolan.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.