Dennis Skupinski, age 67 of Ann Arbor, passed away December 17, 2023. He was born February 17, 1956 in Highland Park, Michigan to Eugene and Dorothy (Maksimowicz) Skupinski.

Raised in Dearborn, Dennis displayed an early passion for the pool and was active throughout his high school years at Edsel Ford High School, where he was a letter winner and captain of the swim team. He graduated in 1974 and was accepted into The U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He attended for two years and was a member of the Men’s Swimming & Diving Team, before being honorably discharged. Dennis went on to complete his education at Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in zoology.

Dennis then continued to cultivate his passions for the water and the military. Dennis did this by applying his entrepreneurial spirit as the head swim coach of the Newport Beach Masters Swim Team, building and selling sunfish sailboats, and starting his own business of Space Mannequin. In his spare time, Dennis became an avid military historian and collector specializing in WWI. His dedication to his various crafts culminated in Dennis being highly instrumental in advocating for, successfully establishing, and leading as Commissioner of the WWI Centennial Celebration in the State of Michigan as appointed by Governor Rick Snyder in 2017. Dennis was deeply involved in Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum in Jackson, dedicating countless hours to the museum as Treasurer, grant writer, and as the creative mind behind many of the museum’s exhibitions. Dennis contributed over 60 mannequins from over 12 countries with authentic 20th century military uniforms from his personal collection.

Dennis loved spending time with family and friends. His laid back and jovial personality made him welcome company among anyone he met. Any mischief from Dennis was all in good fun, and his clever quips were typically good-natured. He will be remembered for so many things: as a kind soul who demonstrated patience and understanding, a wholly selfless man who gave everything of himself, his dependability and handiness around the home, and love of all creatures great and small. Dennis has truly left an indelible mark on this world, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Dennis was the loving father of Whitney Field Roberts (spouse of Charles Alexander Roberts) and Sterling Field (partner of Craig Conner). Proud grandfather of Charles Argyll and Winston Eugene Roberts. Cherished son of Dorothy and the late Eugene. Dear brother of Timothy (spouse of Mary), Paul, and the late Kai. Also survived by his former wife and mother of his two children, Susan Collet.

Visitation for Dennis will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of his Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd. Farmington Hills.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dennis's name can be made to Michigan's Military Heritage Museum.