Obituary of Dennis John Coryell

Coryell, Dennis John       

Bay City, Michigan

Dennis John Coryell, a beloved husband and brother, passed away peacefully and returned to his heavenly home on May 23, 2025, at the age of 81. He was the son of the late Jack and Beatrice (Barnett) Coryell. Dennis was born on May 7, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan.  Dennis married JoEllen Abbenante on March 3, 1984, she survives him. He is also survived by his sisters, Jeanette (John) Markey of Saginaw and Pauline (Don) Bedwell of Negaunee, brothers, James (Mary) Coryell of Clarkston, Philip (Liz) Coryell of Bear Lake and Ed (Janis) Coryell of Wolverine. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Janet Glazier as well as many nieces and nephews. Dennis was predeceased by his brother Peter Coryell.  

Dennis was a gifted piano and organ player. Since he was the oldest, Dennis put on many small concerts at home while babysitting his younger sisters and brothers.  His inspirational talent appeared to be based on his parents’ love of music and his own interest in entertainment.  It was said that when there were family gatherings, for just about any occasion, Dennis would be playing often with our father Jack as a duet partner and other family members singing or playing along. 

Dennis used his musical talents to play many solo piano venues, most notably Bintz Apple Mountain Steakhouse. Later he led the bands "Ain't Misbehavin" and "The Dennis Coryell Band" in the Tri-City area. Saginaw- Treasure Island, Three Coins, 19th Hole, J.P. Meinbergs and the Radisson. Midland- Holiday Inn. Bay City- Wagner's. In Minnesota he played at the Radisson in Minneapolis and many private parties and community events in Baxter. Among his many talents Dennis was also a stained-glass artist. He loved to travel, was an avid reader and loved to go antiquing.

After graduating from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, Dennis served as City Administer for Wyoming and Baxter in Minnesota, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. His proudest achievement while serving the city of Baxter was the development of the wastewater and treatment plant dedicated to processing and treating wastewater from residential, commercial and industrial sources. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Hyatt-Ewald Funeral Home, 700 N. Monroe St., Bay City, Michigan 48708. E.J. Brown will officiate. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorials to a charity of the donor’s choice.  May his memory be a blessing.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan.