Dennis Tuskan passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 in Chicago at the age of 72 following a brain hemorrhage and stroke six months earlier. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI.
Dennis was born in East Chicago, Indiana to Jane and John Tuskan. His grandmother had emigrated from Croatia to NW Indiana where she ran a tavern, and his father worked in the steel mills. Dennis’ creative talent was evident at an early age, and with his father’s encouragement, studied art by mail. At Griffith High School, he was known for his distinctive posters using caricature and humor to reach the student audience. Not surprisingly, he went on to study art and design at the Chicago Academy of Art, graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington and went on to graduate school in design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
A 40-year career in graphic design and advertising followed with clients large and small, ranging from corporate campaigns for Marlborough Man and Craftsman Tools to nonprofit arts organizations in healthcare and dance. Like many in his profession, he worked in agencies, partnerships and free-lanced – following his creative muse wherever it led.
In Chicago, Dennis lived for three decades in the Logan Square neighborhood, now experiencing the kind of sea change he predicted would never happen. His first home away from home was in a remodeled garage in Miller Beach, Indiana Dunes where he lived for 13 years. His urge to be close to nature continued at Bugtussle, a gentleman’s farm in the Galena, Illinois area where he enjoyed gardening, star-gazing, and raucous parties with a cadre of friends. Later, he and his wife dropped anchor in New Buffalo Michigan, raking oak leaves for days, experimenting with the culinary arts, taking woodland walks, and seeing movies at the Vickers Theatre.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Cynthia, their three dogs SunDance, Misha and Pooh, two cats and a bird, sister Judy and brother-in-law Jerry Popiela, cousins Bernie and Ron Vale, sisters-in-law Kris da Silva Ramos (Antonio) and Karen Wilson (Brent), Monique Quick, Tanya, Mark, Tenley and Tyler Davis, the extended Tuskan family and friends. He is predeceased by his mother Jane and father John.
A Memorial Service will take place at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 718 W. Buffalo Avenue at 11:00AM on Monday, March 28, with a committal service to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo, Michigan; followed by a private brunch at Burnison Galleries for family and friends. No visitation or floral tributes. Contributions for a memorial tree planting can be sent to Burnison Galleries -Tuskan Tree, 15460 Red Arrow Highway, Lakeside Michigan 49116. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at http://www.sommerfeldchapel.com