Steve Dennis

Steve Dennis, 73, of Palestine, IL, died on September 9, 2020, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, IN. He was born on November 30, 1946, in Palestine, IL the son of Fred Russell Dennis and Mary Frances (McCammon) Swartz, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Paul Swartz. He is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Nikki & Phillip Sturm (Annapolis, IL) and Scott Dennis (Flat Rock, IL); by his grandchildren, Jesse, Wade, and Cameron; by his brother & sister-in-law, Russell & Helen Dennis (Rockford, IL); by his sister & brother-in-law, Paula Ann & Bob Ziegler (Rockford, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Steve grew up in the Palestine area and was a 1965 graduate of Palestine High School. He would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Here, he put his natural intelligence to use as a coder in a high-level clearance capacity. Back home, he found work building space shuttle parts in California and found a number of other jobs before settling in at Leaf (Hershey), where he eventually retired. Away from work, he could often be found at the Elks, where he was a longtime member. Anyone who knew Steve could attest to the man's love of the outdoors. Few things brought him more life than fishing along the shores of the Wabash River. One of his favorite pastimes at home was opening the paper to the crossword puzzle, and this was something that he found great joy in for many years. His beloved family will remember Steve as a simple man whose heart was as big as his back was strong. We who are left behind are thankful for the example we find in our memories of him and will cherish them for as long as we live. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. A memorial service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, there will be an opportunity for family and friends to share memories of Steve's life. The service will close with military honors, which will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. In honor of his many years as an Elk, his family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Illinois Elks Children's Care Corporation", to assist Illinois children under the age of 21 with medical assistance. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.