A native Missourian, Denis was born in St. Louis.  His family has property in the U.P. and have been visiting the Keweenaw for over 40 years.  Upon graduation from Maplewood Richmond Heights High School he achieved an Associates Degree from Meramec Community College in St. Louis then a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from The University of Missouri in Rolla, now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology.    While attending the University of Missouri Denis was a member of the Missouri Army National Guard.  He served on active duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey and Fort Belvoir, Virgina.  Denis, now retired, spent his working career of 34 years with K. V. Pharmaceutical and Particle Dynamics, a subsidiary, in St. Louis.  He was active with the Boy Scouts of America for 50 years and also with the Kiwanis, the Maplewood Richmond Heights school board and the Richmond Heights Presbyterian Church in St. Louis. He believes in the goals and vision of the KLT and is honored to serve as a director.