Dennis Arthur Klotz, the longtime owner of the former Catholic Book Store in downtown Detroit and later Dearborn, passed away on Sept. 11, 2019, at the age of 65. 

Klotz studied culinary arts in college, but had gained three years of book knowledge from working at Alba House in Dearborn. He applied to work for the Catholic Book Store in 1978. 

Klotz, who purchased and became owner of the Catholic Book Store in 1985, credited the earlier work of the Sisters, Home Visitors of Mary, a religious order in Detroit that ran the store from 1963-73. 

For a number of years the store was the textbook supplier for Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and also shipped textbooks to several overseas seminaries in South Africa, Central America and South America. The bookstore was also the sole distributor of “Make Straight the Path: A 300-Year Pilgrimage, Archdiocese of Detroit” coffee table-sized book celebrating the archdiocese’s 300th anniversary in 2001.

For many years, Klotz brought the Catholic Book Store “on the road,” visiting parishes, schools and Church functions. The store closed in 2014.

Klotz also was a former Auxiliary Dearborn Heights fireman for 17 years.

Klotz was the beloved husband of Sandra, and loving father of Dennis Tomas and Dr. Traci (Nicholas) Grucz. Dearest son of the late Dorothy and Ralph. Dear brother of Ralph, Gary and Michele. He will also be missed by many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends. 

Visitation will take place Sunday, Sept. 15, from 2-8 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 West Warren, Dearborn Heights. Instate Monday 10 a.m. at St. Linus Church, 6466 Evangeline
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127, until the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Share condolences at www.stanleyturowskifuneralhome.com.