of Plainwell, formerly of Allegan, died Sunday, November 3, 2013 at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Mr. Heister was born February 21, 1948, in Allegan the son of the late Charles and Sylvia (Mohney) Heister Tanner. Dennis graduated from Allegan High School in 1967, and attended Kalamazoo Valley. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy serving from 1967-1971. He had worked in Holland for both Haworth and K-Line for many years. He was an Eagle Scout Troop 91, and was a accomplished artist, working in photography, painting, pottery, and black smithing. He had a heart for animals, and enjoyed the company of many pets during his life. He also loved music, and was a drummer in a band in High School, called the Pall Bearers, they traveled to their gigs in an old funeral coach. Surviving are his 3 sisters; Barbara Bouton-Goldberg and her husband, Philip Goldberg, Janet and Victor Zajac, Fay Tanner and Maria Ford, 1 niece, Wendy, 3 nephews, Michael, David and Michael, 1 great niece, Alex and 4 great nephews, Eric and Jack, Austin and Conner. He was preceded in death by his niece, Laurie. Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, November 10, 2013, from 2-4 pm, at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, for a time of remembering and sharing. Military Honors will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, date to be determined. Memorials may be made to the Dollars for Scholars, P.O.Box 8, Allegan, MI 49010 or the Paws with a Cause, 4646 S. Division, Wayland, MI 49348