Dennis Gene Carroll, 74, of Rochester, passed away at his home on Monday, July 20, 2026.

Denny was born on March 10, 1952, in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He was the son of Frank and Barbara J. Curtis Carroll. Growing up, he shared his childhood with his two sisters, Janet and Diane. During his formative years, his family moved to Rochester. He was a member of the Rochester High School class of 1970.

Denny was a remarkably talented man who seemed able to master almost anything he set his mind to. He had a natural gift for understanding how things worked and could solve difficult mechanical or engineering problems, then turn his ideas into reality. He was also an exceptional athlete, remembered by many as one of the best they had ever seen.

During his early years, Denny was a familiar sight on Lake Manitou in the summer and loved to hit the slopes in the winter. Known for his daredevil waterskiing, he was an iconic member of the Lake Manitou Ski Club. He was a keen competitor in the world of competitive water skiing. In 1989, he achieved his dream of becoming the Men’s III National Water Ski Jump Champion.

Following in the footsteps of his mother and father, he enjoyed the thrill of flight. As a pilot, he was known for his wild endeavors, such as landing his helicopter in his front yard and buzzing the shores of Lake Manitou.

With a strong work ethic, Denny enjoyed working with his hands. As a millwright and welder, he designed and constructed custom grain elevators around the Midwest. Denny had an eclectic array of interests throughout his life, including boating, snowmobiling, ice skating, building and flying model airplanes, designing and applying for patents, cooking, and karaoke. Later in life, he discovered a love for farming and that was how he spent his last years.

Denny also found great joy in his family. He was proud to see his daughters grow up sharing his love of water and snow sports. He cherished the title of Grandpa and enjoyed attending his grandsons’ sporting events and listening to Auggie and Memphis perform with The Manitou Monster Band.

Left to cherish Denny’s memory are his daughters: Cassie D. Carroll (Matthew Miller) and Mendi L. Carroll; two grandsons: James Oscar “Auggie” Wells IV and Memphis James Miller, all of Rochester; and two sisters: Janet (Phil) Davis of Portage, Michigan, and Diane (Ted) Danchi of Raleigh, North Carolina. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Preceding Denny in death were his parents, Frank and Barbara Carroll; his companion, Sharleen Miller; and his treasured canine, Benji.

A celebration of the life of Denny G. Carroll will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. His family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until the time of the service. Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made in Denny’s name to the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.