Al Dennis

Bernard “Al” Dennis, 90, of Springfield, IL, passed on Thursday, June 23, 2022, peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born April 16, 1932, in Pontiac, MI the son of Herman and Ethyl Dennis. He married his lifelong love, Bernice Lilleyman on February 12, 1955.
 

He grew up in a large family of 15 children with a 4’ 9” tall mother in Pontiac, MI. 7 of the boys all served in various branches of the military, and all came home safely miraculously.

He and Bernice moved to San Diego, CA in 1960 where they lived until 2003 when they then moved to Pleasant Plains, IL to be with their daughter and her family who was expecting their first and only granddaughter.

Al was employed at the San Diego Union Tribune Newspaper as truck driver for 35 years until he retired in 1994. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War, where he also pitched for the Army Men’s Softball Team while in the service.

Al was the world’s biggest sports fan, first cheering on his daughter’s teams for years, then followed by his granddaughter’s softball career. You could always hear him gently coaching from the sidelines with phrases like “Hit the Ball” and “Throw to the Mitt” and the occasional “Run”. He never let anything keep him from a game. He and Bernice were a staple at every game.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice; daughter, Pamela (Michael) Nation of Pleasant Plains, IL; granddaughter, Sierra Nation of Pleasant Plains, IL; brother, Jerry (Judy) of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 13 siblings.

Services will be held at a later date at Camp Butler.

Wilson Park Funeral Home 200 E. Main St. Rochester, IL 62563 is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Al Dennis, please visit our floral store.