To say we are all stunned and numb from the recent death of our father Dennis Pellinen is an understatement. This is Angela, and together with Alden and Ashley this is our story.

On Saturday January 5th we were together. You, me, both of your grandkids. We had coffee at my kitchen table until long after we should have stopped. We talked about things I never thought would be important until they were the last things we’d talk about. We went to your house for dinner. Your laugh was contagious. Those dinner dishes are still in the sink. I can’t bring myself to wash them. You laid down on the couch and watched YouTube with both the kids until all three of you were almost asleep. You helped me put the kids shoes on to walk home. You laughed at my struggle and told me I was a good mom. You walked us to the front door. I didn’t know that goodbye was forever. I didn’t know that hug as we left was the last one. I didn’t know that was the last time you’d tell me you love me. I didn’t know you were leaving right after me to go for a snowmobile ride. I didn’t know you’d disappear. There are a lot of things I didn’t know and I’ll spend the rest of my life wishing I had.

Thank you again to all the volunteers, and the Marquette and Delta county sheriffs department. The entire community of McFarland and everyone who helped in Rock, MI. After three days of intensive searching they finally found and confirmed our worst fear, which was you were gone after your sled slid on the ice, hitting trees on a county road.

Our family came together during this crisis. We may not be a big family but we’re tough as hell. I was reliant on them helping me keep my head when panic started to set in.

He is loved by an enormous amount of people and I don’t think he even realized it.

With that said, we are now faced with an enormous challenge with regard to both Dad’s estate but also the one recently vacated after our Grandma died last month. Both properties will now undoubtedly need to go to probate, but until that clears, we will be maintaining the utilities bills for two places, legal and moving fees, not to mention all of us are on his car insurance and his taxes will need to be filed.

Many of you have asked if you can help, so here’s where I draw a breath and say…yes, as hard as it is to ask, we will be in need of some financial help.

So we’ve had this page created as a way for you to do that either anonymously or by name.

As little as you may, every bit will help.

Thank-you for your continued support:

Angela, Alden and Ashley