Denis Joseph Menard

Denis Joseph Menard, 80, of Cicero, passed away March 19, 2017. He was born June 11, 1936, in Beauharnois, Quebec, the son of the late Rodrique and Florina (Allard) Menard.

He came to the United States to play hockey for the Indianapolis Chiefs in the late 1950’s speaking only French Canadian. During the off-season he worked for the Indiana State Fairgrounds. He helped start Youth Hockey in Indianapolis and coached from 1963-1983. Known for his brutal honesty when coaching his players, and Denis made lasting impressions on many of his former players' lives, and particularly loved coaching his two sons.

He met his wife Dorothy shortly after arriving in the States with a tug of a tie and a trip. They were devoted to hockey and their family. Although they lived in the States, Denis never ignored his roots, making yearly trips to see his family in Montreal.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was always ready to watch his grandsons play hockey and granddaughter swim, sing, and play the guitar. He was never shy about letting his grandsons know that they needed to keep their head up and have both hands on their stick while playing hockey.

In his later years he loved going up to see his sons who lived in Michigan. He treasured the simple parts of life, whether it be taking his grandchildren fishing and boating or having beers with his daughter-in-laws. He also loved going to Florida for the winters. He and Dorothy anticipated the spring break visits from his grandchildren and the numerous trips to Disney World.

He retired from the Indiana State Fairground after 60 years of service in operations. He was a member of the Noblesville Moose Lodge #540, The American Legion SAL Post 45 and the Noblesville Eagles Lodge #450. Even though he “retired” from the State Fairground full time he continued to work, unless he was in Florida, until the time of his death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dorothy L. (Schaekel) Menard; his two sons, Denis (Kim) Menard Jr. and David (Shelly) Menard; his grandchildren, Luc, Ryan, and Riley Menard; his sister, Gaetane Bourdeau; his brother-in-law, Herman Schaekel; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in passing by his brother, Gilles Menard; and his sisters, Pierrette Menard and Claudette (Gilles Frappier) Menard.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Flanner and Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road. Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park East, 10722 East Washington Street.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.