Dennis ‘Hook’ Bilski

He was born Jan. 3, 1950, in Norway, the son of the late Adam and Marie (Ruatti) Bilski.

Hook graduated from Norway High School in 1968. He later earned his bachelor of education degree from Northern Michigan University.

He taught health education and was a boys and girls high school basketball coach, even named coach of the year. Dennis retired from Pembine School District 35 years later.

Hook loved everything outdoors. In the fall, he could be found in the woods hunting and spent many summers on his boat fishing in Algoma, Wis. He even published a book called “November.”

In recent years, Hook spent winters with his sister, Sandy, and her husband, David, in Apache Junction, Ariz. He made many friends and enjoyed playing pickleball and being a member of the Bocce Ball League at City Park and Apache Junction.

Hook was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway; he also attended St. George Church in Apache Junction.

Dennis is survived by his sister, Sandy (David) Zeeb; nephews David Zeeb, Dennis (Amy) Zeeb and Michael Zeeb; nieces Shelby (Artie) Burby, Colleen (Tim Fabry) Farrell and Melanie (Haakon) Hagemeister; great-nieces Autumn (Xaiver) Endress, Natasha (Jessie) Cronick, Kaicey (Michael) VonStockhausen, Lily Hagemeister, Marie Hagemeister and Evelyn Hagemeister; great-nephew Adam Zeeb; great-great-nephew Owen Cronick; great-great-nieces Juliet VonStockhausen and Claire Endress; also his extended family; his longtime friend Ronnie DeBernardi and the DeBernardi Family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Sharon Bilski.

Hook touched so many lives. His family would like to thank all of the providers at Banner Baywood Medical Center; they all took good care of Hook. They would also like to offer a special thanks to his special friends, Nicki and Corrina, for the help they offered when he needed it most.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the church, with Father Abraham Mupparathara officiating.

Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery.

There will be a bocce ball memorial tournament held in Hook’s honor at a later date at Weavers Needle in Apache Junction.

Condolences to the family of Dennis may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were made with the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.