2023 OUTSTANDING CITIZEN

Denny Henline

Since Denny returned to Pemberville after graduating from Ferris State College in 1975, he has spent his time serving the Pemberville community. He has always been determined to make Pemberville the best it could be! As an active businessman and business owner, he opened Henline’s Department Store 45 years ago on Front Street. Over the years, his business evolved into Pemberville Home Improvement and Home Town Realty. He has always loved Pemberville and he has dedicated his life to making it a thriving town! Through service to the community, he was an active member of the Civic Club. He was responsible for creating “Pemberville’s Duck Race”, a family event at Harrison Park to earn money to support activities in the village. At Pemberville’s Autumn Fest, you would see Denny serving bean soup. He has also served as an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed and married. Later in life, he became an active member of Sonfire by the River Church. Born to Kenny and Lois Henline in 1949, Denny married the love of his live Sally Meder) in 1969. They have four children: Todd (Cyndi) Henline, Holly (Matt) Chappuies, Trent (Jamie) Henline and Ryan (Cyndi) Henline. They have 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Denny loves sports and was even an Eastwood community coach over the years! Today, you can catch him watching his grandchildren at their many events and activities.

Denny’s philosophy has always been “make it better than you received it!” Denny prides himself in bettering our community. He is passionate about area economic development. He is a proud member of ECIC, PIMA and the former CAP organization at Eastwood. Recently, he has been instrumental in mentoring some of Pemberville’s newest business owners such as Comfy Cactus, Tillie & Bo, Belle Fleur & the Thirsty Thistle. He has also been involved with the renovation of the former Animal Shelter and Forks restaurant. He is currently hoping to bring a new condo-style living to town. Pemberville’s Free Fair is an important tradition in Pemberville. Denny has always shown his support by sponsoring greased pig and Milk-a-Cow competitions, participating in the commercial tent and working the legion and athletic booster’s food tents. For the last 20 years, he has served as the Tug-a-War chairman! Denny was handed the baton by his uncle, Alton Beeker who started the yearly tradition in 1976. Apart from “Family”, Denny’s biggest joy has been working to bring good people to our community by serving, supporting and working here virtually his entire life. He is proud to call Pemberville “Home”.