Dennis E. Drougel

Dennis Eugene Drougel, age 83, of Lowell, formerly of Wyoming and Grandville, passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, following a brief stay at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids.

He was born on August 9, 1938, in Grand Rapids, to Edward and Winifred Martha (Marshall) Drougel. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Sharon and a brother-in-law Stuart McCally. Dennis is survived by his wife of 53 ½ years, Vickie; his children David Drougel and partner Carlos Navarro Cancel, Deborah (Kevin) Bayer and Lisa Price; granddaughter Mikayla; brother Tom (Lora) Drougel; brothers- and sister-in-law, Ann (Lou) Switlik, Jim (Linda) Doane, and Bill (Heather) Doane; as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by dear friends Greg and Kathy Weichhand.

In his youth, Dennis was an avid participant in Scouting programs, attending meetings regularly and ventured out, summer or winter, to camp including Polar Bear Camp at Duck Lake. By the time he reached high school his interest had switched to sports, and he earned several medals and awards in both football and track while attending Godwin High School, where he graduated in 1957. After graduation, he attended Grand Rapids Junior College (now GRCC) where he also played football. At that time, GRCC was a national Junior College powerhouse team. He left GRCC to pursue an art degree at Kendall School of Art & Design, graduating in 1961. He enjoyed drawing and painting at his leisure. His first job was at Walter Hagen, a golf manufacturer. His career in advertising started at Super Foods (IGA) and then went to Spartan Stores where he worked for 32 years, retiring in 2001.

Dennis’ nature was a happy one. He could converse with any one and his favorite topic was the MSU Spartans. You almost never saw Dennis without his Spartan hat. He liked to play many sports with his brother and friends. Bowling was his favorite and he participated in scratch leagues with his dad, brother-in-law Stu, and high school buddies. Family outings, road trips, camping and watching the nieces and nephews sporting events were his favorite activities.

Dennis’ family will have a celebration of life at a later date. Those wishing to express sympathy are welcomed to consider making a donation to Kids Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 The Cure Starts Now (100% of proceeds go to pediatric cancer research) or the charity of your choice. For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge St., Belding, at (616) 794-1300 or verdunfh.com, who is caring for the arrangements.