Dennis Walter Michnal

Dennis Walter Michnal, age 81, of Huntington, IN, passed away at his home on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at home with his family at his side. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 48 years Nancy (Votrie), father to his amazing daughter Laurie, and her wonderful husband Jason Peck, and Ja-Ja to his darling granddaughter Skylar. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Doris (Stone) Michnal, sister Kathleen Michnal, and his uncle and aunt Chet and Bernice Michnal.

He was born in Hammond, IN where he lived until he retired.  He was a long-time parishioner at St. Casimir Catholic Church. He served 6 months of active duty with the Indiana National Guard at Fort Knox, KY, 113th Engineer Battalion, Company E, and was in the reserves for 6 years. He proudly protected and served the people of Hammond, IN with honor for 32 years as a police officer with the Hammond Police Department, retiring with the rank of Sergeant. Over his years on the force, he served in various positions including patrol, Desk Sergeant, as a firearms instructor, and was instrumental in starting the tactical unit. He always said his most important tool as a police officer was his pen. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, Blue Lodge, Garfield Lodge #569.

He will be remembered for being a great guy and for his devotion to caring for family, friends, and neighbors. Dennis loved fishing, guns, John Wayne movies, spending time with his family, and a good joke. We know he is in heaven with his Snowflake Classic buddies fishing, making chili, ice bowling, and having farting contests. He was a great teacher, especially to his daughter, he taught her to set a good example and to always look for ways to be helpful, how to use tools to build things and make home repairs, gun safety and how to shoot, how to play five-card draw poker when she had chickenpox in the 3rd grade, and of course, to pull his finger.

The family would like to thank the staff at Stillwater Hospice for all their assistance and support, especially Kati, Lisa, Rachel, Jackie, Sue, Tina, Sherry, and Pam. A special thank you to Father Tony Steinacker, Joan J., Marilyn R., Sharon K., and Adam Holsinger from SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Huntington, IN, where he was a parishioner for the past 25 years, for their pastoral care, help, and prayers.

Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 27, 2023,followed by the calling hours from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN, 46750. Following the calling hours, a Masonic Service will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 27, at the funeral home.

Additional calling hours will be on Monday, August 28, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 860 Cherry Street, Huntington, IN, with Fr. Tony Steinacker presiding.

Burial will be at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, Huntington, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to United with Love of Huntington County or the Huntington County Council on Aging in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN 46750.

 McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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