Dennis Garke

Dennis M. Garke, age 65, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

He was born on September 26, 1960, in Coldwater, Ohio, to Ray and Joan (Hilgeford) Garke of St. Henry.

In addition to his parents, Dennis is survived by his wife of 29 years, Sherry (Smith) Garke, whom he married on June 29, 1996; his children, Christy (fiancé, Aaron Ruble) Garke of New Haven, Indiana, and Samantha (Nick) Heitkamp of Maria Stein; his grandchildren, Raelynn, Rhett, and Rayce Heitkamp; his sister, Sharon (Jim) Vaughn of Fort Recovery; his in-laws, James Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Larry (Karen) Smith of East Palestine, Ohio, and Brenda (Dennis) Kaup of Fort Recovery; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Dave “Goose” and Linda Garke; and his father and mother-in-law, Max and Mary Smith.

Dennis was a 1978 graduate of Fort Recovery High School. He continued his education at Sinclair Community College and Wright State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. Dennis returned home to Mercer County, where he built a long and dedicated career with Cooper Farms. He served as purchasing manager for 38 years, a role he took great pride in and carried out with integrity and commitment.

Deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, Dennis was a devoted member of St. Wendelin Catholic Church and the Fort Recovery Knights of Columbus. Prayer was an important part of his daily life, and he found comfort and strength in it. He would often say, “Let’s pray,” gathering everyone together before leading them in an Our Father.

Dennis found joy in many simple pleasures. He loved watching NASCAR, attending Indianapolis Colts games and keeping an eye on the Cincinnati Bengals — especially when they were winning. He enjoyed golfing and treasured wine nights spent laughing and visiting with friends. Above all else, Dennis loved his family deeply. He cherished every moment spent with them and always looked forward to the next visit, holding those times close to his heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church, with Father John Grusenmeyer celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Guests may visit with Dennis’ family on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 2 to 7 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Memorial contributions may be given to EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, OH 45331, Cancer Association of Mercer County, P.O. Box 624, Celina, OH 45822, or the Parkinson Foundation of Northwest Ohio, 150 W.S. Boundary, PMB #202, Perrysburg, OH 43551.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting brockmanboeckmanfh.com.