Raymond "Ray" Dale Denno, Sr.

Raymond "Ray" Dale Denno Sr. of Saginaw, Michigan 

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at his home, with his family by his side, on Saturday, April 6, 2024. He was 87 years old. Raymond Dale Denno was born on September 10, 1936, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Sanborn "Sam" and Lillian Ruth (Clarkson) Denno. As a young man, he attended Saginaw High School. While in attendance at a house party, he met the love of his life, Sally Jane Lange. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on March 17, 1957, in Saginaw, Michigan; she survives him. He was employed as a gauge repair technician with General Motors, retiring with over 30 years of loyal and dedicated service. The role of his lifetime, one he treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Simply put, Ray was the perfect definition of a family man. He was a member of the East Coast Paddlers Club, receiving their highest award for kayaking, the Golden Paddler Award. An avid outdoorsman, his little piece of heaven included his love for water and the peace and tranquility he felt listening to the sounds of nature. He loved spending time kayaking, hunting, fishing, and camping, passing this love down to his family. Ray was a lifelong member of the Saginaw Field and Stream Club. He was a gifted photographer, enjoyed riding his motorcycle, and was a talented woodcarver. Ray held a special place in his heart for all animals, especially for his love of dogs and cats. He will forever be remembered for his kind and generous heart, for always being the voice of reason in all situations, for his beautiful smile and sarcastic sense of humor, for always keeping family close to his heart, and for simply being a priceless and profound husband, father, and grandfather. Ray truly lived life to the fullest, always creating wonderful memories along the way. 

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Sally Jane Denno of Saginaw; two sons: Raymond Dale (Laura) Denno Jr. of Saginaw; Michael Paul (Tamara) Denno of Eaton Rapids; two grandchildren: Michelle Lee (Eric) Saigeon of Grand Haven; Justin Dale Denno of Grand Rapids; two great-grandchildren: Siena Lee Saigeon and Maxwell James Saigeon; two sisters: Judy Gibson of Saginaw; Kathy (Dave) Killingsworth of Florida. Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Lillian Denno; a brother, Edward Denno; a sister, Bonnie Rankin. 

A Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N. Miller Rd., Saginaw, MI, 48609. Rev. Rob Richards will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Human Society of Saginaw County. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.