Dennis Mazikowski

Dennis Henry Mazikowski, 89, passed away of Alzheimer’s Disease on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Chapel Ridge Health and Rehabilitation in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was a longtime resident of Poteau, Oklahoma.  

Dennis was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 4, 1932. Dennis lost his mother at a young age and grew up in an orphanage. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School of Chicago.

After graduation Dennis joined the United States Air Force. Dennis took great pride in his military career. He was a member of the 8^th Aerial Port Squadron Combat Control Team during the Vietnam War. His team was challenged with undertaking the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines by leading the way for other forces to follow. After 20 years of active duty, he retired as a Technical Sargent.  His decorations included the Longevity Service Award with 4 Oakleaf Clusters among other commendations and citations awarded during his two decades of selfless service to his country. 

In 1956 Dennis married Anne Bentley. Together they raised four children. They were later divorced. Dennis married Beverly Parkes on September 8, 1994. They lived in Gunnison, Colorado, for a brief time, then moved to Poteau where they remained until Beverly’s passing.

Dennis was a faithful member and volunteer at the Immaculate Conception Church of Poteau. Dennis spent a great deal of his free time volunteering for Poteau Chapter DAV. Dennis faithfully displayed the Stars and Stripes in front of his home. He was a proud American. 

Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church of Poteau on March 17, 2023, at 6:00 PM

A public memorial service with military honors will be held at Evans and Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, on March 19, 2022, at 10:00 AM. There will be a light luncheon following the memorial at Poteau Chapter DAV, 6503 N Broadway St, Poteau, OK 

Carla Moses, stepdaughter, would like to thank the many people that helped lead Dennis through his journey home. The members of Poteau DAV, Advantage Hospice, Heart of Hospice, Memory Lane of Van Buren, Senior Care and special friends and caregivers, Terry Smith, Connie Goodman, April Phelps, and Linda Hines. Each of you played a role in making both Dennis and Beverly’s last days the best we could have imagined. I am eternally grateful.

 

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