DENNIS JOSEPH “JOE” MERCHANT

Dennis J. Merchant, age 76, of Cass City died Thursday, July 30, 2026 in the Sanilac Medical Care Facility. Joe was born March 31, 1950 in Cass City to Stuart William and Joan (Sommers) Merchant. He married Barbara J. Gruber on May 19, 1973 and even though they divorced, they remained very close friends.

He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Cass City High School. In high school, Joe was a member of the Future Farmers of America for four years, Junior Wrangler Horse Club for three years, and a member of Michigan DeMolay. He served in the U.S. Army from September of 1969 to May of 1971, during this time he served in Vietnam from June 1970 to May of 1971.

Upon his return home, Joe worked in the family bakery, Sommers Bakery, for twenty-five years and finished his career by working for L.J. Gascho Furniture Company. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church Choir for twenty-five years, and the Cass City V.F.W. Post #3644. For thirty years, Joe sang as a member of the Tom Thumb Singers. He participated in Civil War reenactments for ten years and also became a Third Degree, or Master Mason. Joe was an avid reader, writer, and enjoyed riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was honored to be named Cass City Citizen of the Year in 2024.

Joe is survived by his brother, Leslie (Marcia) Merchant; his sisters: Evelyn (Glen “Mic”) Miracle, Lola (Bruce) Miller; his nephews: Christopher (Daniell) Osentoski, Whitney Osentoski, Brice (Melissa) Osentoski, Stephen (Alicia) Miracle nieces: Kristy (Scott) Hale, Rachel (Bill) Southard, Sarah Aquirre; several great nephews and great nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with Jim Baker and Sam Leppert co-officiating. Interment in Elkland Township Cemetery. Military honors conducted by the Cass City V.F.W. Post # 3644 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease research or to a charity of donor’s choice.

Visitation: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City