Flander Dennis

Flander James (F.J.) Dennis, a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at his home on September 3, 2023. He is reunited with his devoted wife of 58 years, Marie Louise Thoele Dennis who preceded him in death. He is survived by his sons: Patrick M. Dennis, M.D. (Kathleen), Mark S. Dennis (Kelly), and Barry T. Dennis; and grandchildren: Jonathan, Ryan, Isabella, Gabrielle, and Morgan. He is also survived by his siblings Mae Rose Dennis Prestenback and Errol J. Dennis, Sr., as well as a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand J. Dennis and Odile Yuratich Dennis and siblings Rita Dennis LaCava and Milton F. Dennis.

Flander, a native of Delacroix Island, LA, was born on May 5, 1936 and has been a long-time resident of New Orleans. F.J. served in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets), as both an enlisted soldier and officer. He began his career in sales with Aetna Life and Health and in 1973, became a State Farm Agent until his retirement in 2007. He had a successful thirty-four year career with State Farm Insurance and very much appreciated the lasting friendships he had with fellow agents and clients alike. Flander was a long-time member of the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and was an active member of several political organizations. Being from Delacroix Island, he was a proud member of the Los Islenos Heritage and Cultural Society and the Canary Islander Descendants Association.

F.J. greatly loved Mardi Gras, especially during he and Marie’s time living in both their French Quarter and St. Charles Avenue residences. He could often be found wandering the French Quarter in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday in various ornate costumes and was featured on the cover of Where Y’at Magazine Mardi Gras edition in 2011.

F.J. and Marie both loved entertaining family, friends, and new acquaintances, where no one was a stranger and holidays, special events, or any given Sunday, everyone was welcome. During their life together, Marie and F.J. loved to dance, and after three years apart, they are dancing together again. Always, a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face, his quiet sense of humor radiated warmth and graciousness.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Visiting Angels and Passages Hospice.

There will be a memorial service held for both Marie and Flander on Monday, September 25, 2023 at Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home on 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 10:00am, followed by Services at 12:00PM. Interment to follow at St. Patrick Number 3 located at 143 City Park Avenue, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Marie and Flander’s behalf to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.