Dennis Morris Benning Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Lori; his son, Dennis Jr (Elizabeth); and grandson, Jett of Charlotte, NC and his son, Brett (Brenda) of Loves Park, IL.

Dennis and Lori were high school sweethearts and both graduated from Bloom Township High School in 1959. Dennis was an excellent high school athlete, lettering in both baseball and basketball. He was also an accomplished junior golfer, winning the Homewood-Flossmoor tournament in 1958. Dennis and Lori were married in 1962, beginning their 63 year journey.

After high school, Dennis started his career in manufacturing, which led him to Twin Disk in Rockford, IL. However, his career was put on pause when he was drafted into the army at age 27. After serving two years, Dennis rejoined Twin Disk, took night classes at Rockford College, and earned his Bachelor of Science in 1978. Dennis began working for Woodward Governor in 1984 as a division manager and would eventually be named President of the Aircraft Division. During his career journey, Dennis and Lori enjoyed calling Franklin WI, Windsor CO, Rockford, Belvidere, and Glenview IL, Henley England, and Valencia CA their home. Dennis embraced challenge, change, and never leaving any job undone. In 2016, Dennis retired after 32 years at Woodward and he and Lori moved to Charlotte, NC.

Dennis was an avid golfer with five hole-in-ones to call his own. He found a favorite golf course in every place he lived and was happy that his love of the game was instilled in his wife and sons. Dennis and Lori loved to travel, with Hawaii being one of their favorites. Dennis will always be remembered as the ultimate family man, and everything he did was for those he loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org.

Online condolences can be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com