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Dennis A. Schirmer, former state trooper

January 18, 2017

Dennis A. Schirmer, 57, of Georgetown, was born July 31, 1959, and passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, at Christiana Hospital after a short illness.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Tammy Schirmer; daughter Ashley Glade and her husband Matt of Georgetown; sons Chase Schirmer of Georgetown, Dennis (D.J.) and wife Tricia of Midlothian, Va., and Matthew Elliott and husband Tyler Ketron of Oakland, Calif. Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Harold A. and Gladys Wells Schirmer; and sister Josephine S. Massey.

He is also survived by his twin sister Debbie Weaver and husband Bob of Georgetown; sister Nancy Williamson of Millsboro; brothers, Wayne Schirmer of Callahan, Fla., and Carl Schirmer and wife Doris of Milton. Dennis is also survived by three grandchildren; Natalie Schirmer, Ian Glade and Carter Glade. He adored his children and his grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him and will miss him dearly.

In Dennis' early years, his ambition was to become a Delaware State Trooper. He attended Trooper Youth Week while in high school and was awarded Outstanding Youth Trooper for the entire state. In 1981, he began his career at Sussex County Emergency Operations Center in Georgetown. He fulfilled his dream in 1986 of becoming a trooper, later a K9 officer, and eventually became a detective. After leaving the Delaware State Police, he followed in his father's footsteps of carpentry. Anything that needed to be built, fixed or remodeled, Dennis knew the right way to get it done. He was successful solely through word of mouth, and his work spoke for itself.

Dennis was always an outgoing husband, father, brother and friend. He loved everyone, and he was beloved by many. Dennis was highly respected and well thought of in his community, as well as his chosen fields. He would never hesitate to give the shirt off his back, and would help anyone in any way possible. Dennis will be sorely missed by all.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 East Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be sent to the Delaware State Police c/o Camp Barnes, PO Box 430, Dover, DE 19903, or Sussex County 4-H, 16483 County Seat Hwy., Georgetown, DE 19947.

In honor of Dennis the family requests casual attire, especially jeans, be worn as he would have wanted.

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