Dennis Joseph Jisa, 83, of Ortonville, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025 in Scott County, Virginia doing what he loved most. Dennis was a beloved husband, proud father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Dennis was born on March 12, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio to Joseph (Harvey) James Jisa and Eleanore Clara (Brzoska). Dennis graduated from Northfield High School in 1960. Dennis met the love of his life, Gayle Nina (Shively) in 1962 while roller skating (Dennis was a semi-pro dancer on skates at the time) in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Excited to start their life together, they were married on July 3, 1965 in Northfield, Ohio. Dennis had a successful career of over 35 years at General Motors working first at the Terex Division in Hudson, Ohio. In 1984 he continued working for General Motors in Pontiac as an engineer until retirement. He was then a substitute bus driver for both Brandon and Clarkston school districts for 20 years and retired (again) in 2021. Dennis was an avid reader, bird watcher, auto and NASCAR enthusiast, and loved building furniture with wood. Dennis was an active member of St. Anne Catholic Church, a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus, driver for Meals on Wheels, and a dedicated blood donor of over 14 gallons!

Anyone who knew Dennis knew how much he loved riding his motorcycles, especially his Honda Goldwings. He began riding at age 14 and was a 36 year member of GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association). Dennis and Gayle traveled to all 48 continental states as well as most of Canada. Dennis was proud to be a rider educator and fortunate to have ridden over one million miles!

Dennis is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gayle, and their four loving children: Joseph (Dinora) Jisa, Judi (Brian) Hoover, Jenni (Daniel Peterson) Smith, and Julie (Kenneth "Jason") Burk. Dennis also leaves behind 18 treasured grandchildren: Joseph “Vance” (Merideth) Jisa, James Jisa, Kaitlyn Schiffbauer, Joseph “Jake” (Kirsten) Jisa, Kenny (Rachel) Gallón, Jessica (Jacob) Jarjosa, Oliver Hoover, Jacob (Lauren) Zook, Jeremy Smith, Kristopher Smith, Krystal Smith, Griffin Burk, and Kylie Burk and 11 wonderful great grandchildren.

The service will be held on July 7, 2025 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 825 S Ortonville Road, Ortonville, MI 48462. The visitation will be from 10-11:30 with mass and a luncheon. Cremation has taken place and a private burial will be in Ortonville Cemetery. 

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