Dennis Edward Stotz, 70, son of Charles and Norma (Poorman) Stotz, passed away quietly in his home on March 24, 2022. He earned a BA in Music Education from BGSU. With his wife, Sue (Vandersluis) Stotz, they opened Stotz Music in Fremont, OH in 1978. While still in high school, Dennis started learning to repair musical instruments working for his uncle, Bill Weng of Weng’s Music. Offering a rental program to beginning students, and his expertise in repairing of all instruments, he passed on his love of all things musical to all who came through the door. A newly repaired instrument was played, tweaked, and played again until he was satisfied it was in working order before being returned to the customer or the stock room. Retirement came after 40yrs in 2018.
Dennis lived and breathed music. Besides the music store, he loved performing on his favorite instruments, the cornet or trumpet. Often accompanied by his Mother, he played at several churches in the area. He spent time on and off stage at Fremont Community Theatre, Genoa Civic Theater, and Huron Playhouse. He was inducted into the Fremont Ross Music Alumni Foundation’s Hall of Fame in 2007. An honor he shared with his Mother who was inducted in 2006. When he wasn’t rooting on the Cleveland Browns or Indians, Dennis enjoyed collecting and refurbishing antique instruments, and genealogy. He spent a quite few Saturdays in summer sharing these loves at the Keeper’s House in Marblehead where he would happily share his knowledge and talk of his distant relative, Benajah Wolcott, the first lighthouse keeper. He often joked he was related to most of the people in Sandusky County through blood or marriage. Rest in peace, my Music Man.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife of forty-four years, Sue Stotz and son, Bryan Stotz; siblings, Trude Louise (Jim) Faur and Therese Ann Stotz; niece and nephews, Matt and Monica Williams, Andrew (Lisa) Stotz and their children, Ava and Aiden.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jan Stotz.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Memorials can be made to Angie Schroeder, Sandusky County YMCA, 1000 North St., Fremont, OH 43420 (for Rock Steady Boxing), Fremont Community Theatre, PO Box 24, Fremont or ProMedica Hospice, 907 W. State St. A, Fremont, OH 43420.
Offer Condolences for the family of Dennis Edward Stotz
Print Obituary & Condolences
Darla Frech
Rest in peace, Dennis. Thank you for all of your work done on my saxophone.
The Orndorff Family
Sue and Bryan , we are so sorry for your loss .
Peggy
I am so sorry for your loss of Denny, Sue and family. Wishing you God’s comfort and peace.
Peggy and Jeff Kiser
Alex Pate
I am sorry for your loss Sue, Bryan and the rest of the family. Going to the music store was always a great time for my Mom and I when I was growing up in Fremont. I wish my kids could have seen the store. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. RIP Denny.
Marie Black
Sue sending you my condolences and hugs. May the great memories you have always be there . I’m here for you
Gary Petonke
So sorry for your loss. We grew up across the street from each other, great memories our families were great friends.
Elizabeth Bowlus
Sue, Bryan, and family…so sorry for your loss. Bryan and I were good friends and fellow bandmates in highschool and I was a very loyal customer of the music shop. You are all in my thoughts during this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Wolfe Eric
So sorry to hear of Dennys passing, Rest In Peace.
Sue and Bryan Stotz
Thank you, Eric and Lisa. We are having a party for Denny on June 18th at Gilbert’s Place in Bellevue from 1pm-5pm. Therese and Andrew hope to be there. We’d love to see you if you like to stop in.
Charmaine Longanbach
May Dennis rest in peace within heavenly music. With heartfelt sympathy.
Mary Beaston
Sue, Bryan and Family,
When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. With deep sympathy from your friends at this sad time. May he rest in peace.
Mary and Dan Beaston
Michael Amor
Dennis was a classmate of mine( class of 69) Well known for his musical talent. RIP Dennis
Linda M Gegorski
Sincere sympathy to all the family with thoughts/prayers–may he rest in peace!!
Steve Kaple
Sue, so very sorry to see Denny’s obituary in today’s paper. He always had a cheerful and positive attitude at boxing despite some shortcomings. He was a real trooper. May he Rest In Peace.
Mary and Steve Kaple
Larry Whatley
To the Rakes family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Bill’s passing.
I was looking forward to seeing him again at a future class reunion or gathering.
Bill was someone you just enjoyed being around . It was always fun reminiscing about our years in high school.
May the Lord give the family His strength, peace and comfort at this time.
Larry and Doris Whatley