Joseph Dennis' Obituary
Decatur-Joseph Reger 'Joe' Dennis, 91, of Decatur passed away 11:45 pm Friday, June 10, 2011 at Fair Havens Christian Home.
Joe was born October 4, 1919 in Mt. Sterling, IL the son of Edward K. and Gladys E. (Parks) Dennis. He was a graduate of Wheaton High School and completed two years of college at Illinois College. Joe proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII entering the European Theatre a few days after D-Day via Utah Beach in France from Great Britain. He was a Technical Sergeant for Headquarters Troop 4th Cavalry Mechanized. Joe completed his tour of duty in 1945 after he was injured. Upon moving to Decatur from the Chicago, Joe and his first wife Wilma owned and operated Zesto Ice Cream Store. He was employed for several years with Horizon Credit Union until his retirement on October 3, 1989. Joe and Wilma Wyer got married on March 8, 1947 in Chicago. Wilma preceded him in death on August 1990. He later married Mary Ann Harris on April 4, 1992 in Decatur. Joe was an avid golfer, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he was a Chicago Cubs Baseball fan.
Joe is survived by his wife Mary Dennis of Decatur; sons Robert (wife ' Patricia) Dennis of Burbank, CA and Larry Dennis of Richmond, VA; step-daughter Marlene (husband ' Monte) Lange of Decatur; step-son Earl Poole of Bowling Green, KY; and three grandchildren Alexander, Grace and Patrick.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Eloise Dennis.
Services to celebrate Joe's life will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Interment will be in Fairlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour to services from 1 ' 2 pm at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome.
The family of Joseph 'Joe' Dennis has entrusted the care of their loved one to Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL.
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