Dennis M. LeFevre

Dennis Michael LeFevre was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 2nd, 1935 to Kathleen McGinley and Joseph LeFevre. He was the second of six children—Donna Mae, Joseph Gerald (Gerry), Lawrence William (Larry), James Louis (Jim), and Brian Francis—which allowed him to develop his childrearing skills. He attended school at Campion High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He is remembered for his outstanding athletic abilities, running track and as a football running back in high school.

While no one held great expectations for his academic achievements, he did receive his Bachelors in Business from DePaul University. Following a six-month stint in the National Guard, he spent his career working a variety of jobs in sales and home improvement. He met Valerie Ann née Steklac while working at Honeywell in Chicago. His charm and humor allowed her to look beyond his bald head, and the two were married in December of 1964. Their life together carried them to Massachusetts, New York, France (first son, Douglas Lee, was born), Germany, back to Massachusetts (second son, Scott Joseph, was born), Naperville, Rockton, and finally Rockford, Illinois.

While his friends and family tell colorful stories of Den the solid and formidable, his grandchildren would argue they got the best version of him. To them, he was known as baby napper, silly goose, Gumpy, and a klutz. During his later years, Dennis was involved in plays and skits of arguable quality. He enjoyed the casino, solitaire, and Rummikub (although his opponents reportedly always cheated). He strove for balance, frequently preaching the importance of physical health, emotional health, spiritual health, financial health, and chocolate. Regardless of how or when you knew Dennis, you would know that he was a jokester first and foremost. His humor was undoubtedly divisive, but it was a great relief and comfort to his friends and family, especially toward the end as his health deteriorated and pain shackled him. He passed away peacefully on September 7th, just five days following his 90th birthday.

Dennis is survived by his wife Valerie; siblings Joseph Gerald (Jeanne) and James Louis; brother-in-law Donald Steklac; his children Doug (Dimitra) and Scott (Laurie); his grandkids Joanna, John, Andrew (Olivia), Gabriella, and Jacqueline; great grandson Luca; and a score of nieces and nephews. Dennis is predeceased by his parents Kathleen and Joseph; siblings Donna Mae (Jerry), Larry, and Brian; sister-in-law Alice; and his closest friend Jerry Boyle.

The Celebration of Life or Last Hurrah will take place on Saturday, September 20th at Castle Town Center of Wesley Willows, 4142 Johns Farm Rd., Rockford, IL. 61101 from 11am to 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Dennis’ favorite charity.