Dennis LeRoy Artusi

Dennis LeRoy Artusi, 76, of Granger, IN, passed away at 8:00 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Sanctuary of Holy Cross in South Bend, IN.

He was born on January 18, 1949 to the late Rene and Norma (Leick) Artusi in Mishawaka, IN, and was a lifelong area resident, having lived in Wyatt, Mishawaka, and Granger, IN for the past almost 50 years. Dennis was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry Sr. and Dorothy Ruszkowski, who always treated their son-in-law like a son.

Dennis graduated in 1967 from Penn High School in Mishawaka, IN and then attended IUSB.

He worked from early years on in his parents Wyatt Restaurant, Artusi’s.  His lifelong career in the tire industry began at Goodyear in South Bend in 1967, followed by commercial tire sales at Preston Trucking in South Bend, IN, Zolman Tire in Mishawaka, IN, and then at Shrader Tire & Oil in Plymouth, IN, where he retired in 2009 at the age of 60, after 15 years of employment.

On July 10, 1971, he married Michelle A. Ruszkowski at St. Casimir Catholic Church in South Bend, IN.  Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Michelle A. Artusi of Granger, IN; two sons, Nicholas (Lisa) Artusi of South Bend, IN; Christopher (Dulce) Artusi of Mishawaka, IN; a sister, Judy (Ron) DeSmith of Granger, IN; a brother, Rick (Marcia) Artusi of Fishers, IN; and a sister-in-law, Cindy Artusi of Notre Dame, IN.

Dennis was an avid Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs fan, thrilled to see the Cubbies win the World Series in 2016.  Denny was a prolific reader and knew something about everything.  He collected GI Joe’s in retirement, those he never got when he was younger.  Dennis loved to hang out at “the clubhouse” the family-owned business, Michiana Used Music & Media.  He had the gift to gab, perfect for a tire salesman and small business owner. His story would not be complete without mentioning the many trips over the last 30 years to the condo in Treasure Island, FL, and the opportunity to visit with Nick & Marcia.  The condo housed many of Nick’s and Chris’ friends during spring breaks.  Sunsets were always amazing on the balcony as well as the fireworks over the Gulf.  Great memories to cherish forever!  Likewise for the treasured times at Nyona Lake in Macy, IN. Pontoon rides, conversations on the front deck with neighbors considered family will be held dear to our hearts.

Dennis was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Edwardsburg, MI.  He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, followed by a Catholic Funeral Service at 12:30 p.m. in the funeral home, with Rev. Thomas Jones, C.S.C. officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend, IN.   Rest in Peace Big D!

An army of folks have come through the last 3 months with open and generous hearts for support and love. Michelle thanks each of them for their time with texts and calls of concern, homemade Sunday dinners, cute coloring pages and for just being there for her!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN  46545.  All of Dennis and Michelle’s family pets have been rescue dogs.

To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com. 

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