Denis Francis Jodis

Adrian, MI – Denis F. Jodis, 80, a longtime resident of Lenawee County, died on May 25, 2021, in one of his favorite places – his law office, while at work at his desk. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 20, 1940, to Adam and Lokadia Jodis (both deceased). He graduated from Pershing High School in 1957 (where he was a tuba player in the band) and Wayne State University in 1961, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He then worked at Johnson & Higgins, an insurance company in downtown Detroit, while attending Wayne State University Law School at night, where he served as a member of the Law School Student Board of Governors, graduating in 1965. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in January 1966 earning his 50 year pin in 2016.

Denis was a member of the Tall Club of Detroit, and during a joint event with the Tall Club of Cleveland held in Toledo, met Carol Kovach, a former Miss Tall Cleveland. They married in 1966, and have two daughters, Kristina and Melissa, along with two grandsons, Jack and Finn McClintock, all of whom survive him. He is also survived by his sister Elaine Zarczynski (Edward) and nieces Katrina Zarczynski-Magee (Michael) and Kim Leutteneger (Scott) and their children. In addition, Denis was a dog lover and would also want to mention the faithful furry companions who predeceased him: Dixie, Kucha, Rags, Eliot, Scooby and Louie.

Denis began his legal career in Hudson, Michigan, opening an office with Ralph Kahn (Judge, ret.). Soon thereafter, he established the Law Offices of Denis F. Jodis, with offices in Hudson and Adrian, where his practice ranged from representing the City of Hudson to businesses and individuals. He taught an undergraduate law class at Siena Heights University, mentored many young lawyers, and held leadership and/or Board positions with the Hudson Kiwanis Club, Croswell Opera House, and Devil’s Lake Yacht Club. He was a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Parish, and enthusiastically participated in local bar associations and committees, Sacred Heart Church, St. Joseph’s Church, the Hudson Dance Club, Lenawee Country Club, Birnwick Homeowners Association, and the “Supreme Court” breakfast group at Miller’s.

Denis was an avid fisherman and, coincidentally, quite a storyteller. He rooted for both the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Wolverines, perhaps influenced by the college tuitions he paid at both schools (although preferring the Irish in head-to-head competition). He loved Friday Fish Frys at the American Legion in Hudson, chocolate-dipped twists at Dairyland, and a big steak anywhere. He was very proud of the chips he earned as a 30-plus year member of AA.

Although there will not be a formal funeral service, a memorial Mass is being planned for this summer; details are not yet available. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Denis’ memory to the Croswell Opera House (https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.croswell.org__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!Z43ksyHhSa6dmC8n_pfKrpZvvg08BEevJeZNAd-wCSfn9PivkTo7xQrpuecImrfqzVU$ [croswell[.]org]).