Douglas A. Dehn

A straightforward, honest and kindhearted man, Douglas Dehn was an extraordinary man to know and love. He served his country and his community with honor and compassion, and he was well-respected by all who knew him. Doug was a devoted husband and father who was blessed to witness his family tree grow to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren who made him so very proud. A man of many interests, it has been said that he lived a life filled with so many wonderful experiences shared with those he loved most. Judge Dehn created a beautiful tapestry of memories that will be forever cherished by the family and friends he leaves behind. Nearly a century has passed since our nation welcomed in the prosperous decade of the Roaring Twenties. With the end of WWI in 1919, America was recognized as a world leader for the first time, which meant that the eyes of the world were focused on our shores for what was to come. It was just as this new decade was dawning that a young couple from Three Rivers, Michigan, was delighted to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on August 10, 1920. Douglas A. was the fourth of five children born to his parents, William C. and Kittie A. (Petre) Dehn, and he was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Bill, Ruth, Betty, and Nola. His father traveled across the country on trains and motor cars working as an engineering specialist for Fairbanks-Morrris Company while his mother was a homemaker who had a natural talent as an artist. Much of her work is still enjoyed by her grandchildren today. While growing up Doug experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of his generation. He admitted to being his mothers favorite and he enjoyed many typical boyhood activities. Doug did quite a bit of hunting, fishing and golfing in addition to holding down his studies at local schools. His high school years found him at Three Rivers High School where he played the trombone in the marching band. After graduating from high school, Doug went on to the University of Michigan, graduating with a B.A. in political science and history in 1942. Shortly thereafter, Doug became a soldier in the United States Army Air Force. Doug continued to play the trombone in the Army Band as well as in a small dance band when he was in Syracuse. Because he was color blind he was not allowed to fly, and he became a staff sergeant. Doug served for four years altogether with seven months being spent overseas in Okinawa. He actually witnessed the planes that bombed Hiroshima flying overhead. Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man was Dougs introduction to the woman who would change the course of his life. Her name was Beatrice Lora Bassett and they met in Syracuse, New York, at a horse stable where her sister kept a horse. Doug and his buddies just happened to horseback ride on a day the two sisters were riding as well. They began dating and were later married in December of 1943. Together they were blessed with six children, Marilyn, Douglas, Jr., Barb, Bruce, Kittie, and Debbie. Doug was a great father who especially loved the baby stage. Doug and Bea lived in Grand Rapids for a short time before settling in Mt. Pleasant to raise their children in 1951. Throughout his working days Doug had a rewarding and successful career. After being discharged, he enrolled in classes at University of Michigan for a second time, graduating in 1949 with a Juris Doctor Law Degree. Doug practiced private law for several years and was then elected as a prosecuting attorney on two separate occasions. He later spent 10 years serving as 76th District Court Judge in Isabella County from 1968 through 1978. Dougs children always said that he made a great judge because of his ability to mediate a dispute such that both sides felt that they were treated fairly. It really made an impression on him when he needed to visit the prisons where he would be sending the people he sentenced. Judge Dehn always viewed the day he was sworn in as a judge for the first time to be one of the best days of his life. Doug and his children were given a tough pill to swallow when Bea was diagnosed with cancer. He fully supported her during her time of great need, and he was deeply saddened with Beatrices death in 1971 after her courageous fight. With children who were between the ages of 13 and 26, Doug had his work cut out for him. Things only became more difficult over the following three months because Dougs mother died as well as his son, Doug, Jr., a third year law student who died suddenly as a result of a brain tumor. After some time had passed since the death of his wife, Doug met a widow named Frances (Greene) Bailey who used to play bridge with Bea. They married in 1972 at the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant. After he retired in 1978, Doug and Fran moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where every day was a vacation. They lived on a golf course, which allowed him to play golf whenever he wanted as golf was his first love. Doug was quite an accomplished golfer, too, as he had several holes-in-one. He cherished his golf buddies, and his family supported and understood his love for the game - with the exception of the plaid pants he often wore! Not long after Frans death, Doug returned to Michigan and resided in the East Lansing area close to his daughter, Kittie Butcher. In addition to golfing, Doug had several things to keeping him busy. He was into hunting and fishing, and he also liked big band music and dancing. Doug played several hands of poker throughout the years and loved a good scotch. He also had quite a sweet tooth and a love for butter pecan ice cream. Judge Dehn was active in serving his community for many years including with the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees, United Fund, Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, VFW, Elks Club, Lions Club, Mt. Pleasant Country Club, and the First Presbyterian Church. Honorable, responsible and easy going are just a few of the words used to describe Judge Dehn. He was intelligent with a quiet sense of humor and unending love for his family. Doug was a sharp dresser who was a true gentleman if ever there was one. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. The Honorable Judge Douglas A. Dehn, of Haslett and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died on October 15, 2013. Judge Dehn is survived by five children, Marilyn Torosian of Rancho Mirage, CA, Barb (Ken) Henderson of Midland, Bruce (Sue) Dehn of Mt. Pleasant, Kittie (Mike) Butcher of Williamston, and Deb (Bill) Ayers of Orland, CA; grandchildren, Kara (Steven) Bauman, Wm. Bradly (Ruby) Hodgkinson and Lori (Abe) Anderson, Derek (Crystal) Dehn and Lucas Dehn, Patrick Butcher, and Nathan (Krysta) Ayers and Amanda Ayers; seven great grandchildren; and stepchildren, James H. Bailey, Chris Bailey, Ed Bailey. Doug was preceded by his first wife, Beatrice Dehn; his son, Douglas Dehn Jr; his second wife, Frances Dehn; his brother, Bill; and sisters, Ruth, Betty and Nola. Donations may be made to Great Lakes Hospice Foundation 900 Cooper St., Jackson MI 49202, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675, or the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends at Lux Family Life Story Funeral Home on Thursday, October 24, from 3-7 p.m. His ashes will be interred at Riverside Cemetery. To learn more about Dougs life or to sign the online guest book please visit www.LuxFamilyFuneralHome.com