Sussman-Laabs

Obituary: Dennis Kirk Putnam, 64, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021 in his home from complications of the COVID-19 virus. Though Dennis left this earth too soon, his life touched countless others.

He was born June 5, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, to a family of music lovers. Influenced by the setting and sounds of Detroit in his early years, Dennis attended nearby Specs Howard School of Broadcasting. He became a radio DJ. Dennis met his wife, Maggie, at 19, and the inseparable pair relocated to Northern Michigan for his radio career. They spent many years in the towns of Tawas City and Alpena, Michigan, enjoying their children and being active in their local communities. He connected with others through activities that included theater, men's chorus, and volunteering. Dennis was also among the founding members of the Alpena Blues Coalition, establishing the original Alpena Blues Festival. Meanwhile, his children, Elizabeth and Charles, enjoyed playing instruments as students, which offered further opportunities for Dennis and the whole family to engage with fellow music appreciators. Live concerts were among Dennis' lifelong favorite activities, especially attending with friends or family. Like a rippling sound wave, Dennis' warmth radiated outward and touched everyone who met him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia (Duguid) Putnam, as well as a brother, Richard. Surviving are Dennis' wife, Margaret Putnam; daughter Elizabeth (Putnam) Mullen; son Charles Putnam (Shelby Anderson); grandson Harvey Putnam, and sister Patricia (Putnam) Maddock, as well as numerous in-law siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many, many friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Newcomer Funeral Home (235 Juneau Dr., Middletown, KY), from 1-3pm. A memorial service follows at 3pm. Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association.