Gerald D. “Bear” “Jerry” Dennis, age 79, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away at 5:19 am, Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana with his loving family by his side.
Jerry was born on April 13, 1944, in Olney, Illinois the son of Earl and Helen (Gill) Dennis. Jerry entered the US Navy on June 26, 1968, and served his country honorably during the Vietnam War having been with the Navy Seabees that would build bridges and roads to help get troops moved to different areas. He married Virginia Wolfe-Ruckman on February 17, 2007, at the Louisville First Baptist Church and they shared nearly 17 years of marriage.
Jerry devoted 34 years of his career to the Illinois Department of Transportation, where he served in different roles over the years with the last being the equipment manager at the West Yard in Effingham. His commitment to community service was equally notable, as he served with distinction on the Oskaloosa Township Board and the Marion County Water Board for several years. His contributions to these boards were characterized by his thoughtful insights and his unwavering dedication to the betterment of his community. He also spent many years on the Clay County Farm Bureau Board and was an alumni member of the North Clay FFA. Jerry was a member of the First Baptist Church in Louisville and enjoyed time spent camping with Virginia and other friends.
Above all, Jerry was a family man, and nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren. He was their most avid supporter, attending every event and milestone with pride and enthusiasm. His love for his grandchildren was a beacon of light in the family, inspiring those around him with his boundless energy and affection. Jerry’s passion for life extended to the world of nature and machinery. A lifelong animal lover, he raised cattle when he was able and, in his later years, developed a special bond with his indoor cat, Dusty, who brought him much comfort and companionship. His love for animals was a testament to his kind and nurturing spirit. Moreover, Jerry was an avid collector and restorer of International tractors. His collection was more than a hobby; it was a reflection of his appreciation for craftsmanship and history. He took great pride in restoring several tractors over the years, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with his grandsons.
Jerry is survived by his wife: Virginia Dennis of Xenia; children: April (Brian) Fleener of Louisville, Justin (Susan) Fulk of Annapolis, Illinois, Brad (Amy) Ruckman of Altamont, Illinois, Karla (Michael) Penry of Heyworth, Illinois; 8 grandchildren: Clayton (Fiancé Taylor Siegrist) Ruckman, Allyson (Ross) Koester, Katelyn (Tate) Datweiler, Noah (friend Morgan Shreves) Penry, Eli Fulk, Ava Fleener, Andrew Fleener, Tommy Fleener; siblings: Cora (Andy) Work of Potts Camp, Mississippi, Anne (Delbert) Hinterscher of Ingraham, Illinois, Jeff (Mandy) Dennis of Flora, and many nieces, nephews, and good friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; previous wife: Majorie McKnelly-Dennis; brother: Arlen Dennis; and his father and mother-in-law: Woodrow and Marjorie Wolfe.
Funeral services to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Louisville First Baptist Church, with Pastor Kelly Carruthers officiating. Burial with military funeral honors will follow at Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon at the church where friends may call from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jerry Dennis Memorial Fund and will be accepted through the funeral home. The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is entrusted with the care and arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of Jerry, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.
