Dennis William Mantick

Dennis lived an extraordinary life during his 71 years on earth. He loved God, his family, and the Green Bay Packers—not necessarily in that order.

A man who took fun seriously, Dennis was best known for his accomplishments in athletics, coaching, and recreation. Born on July 17, 1954, his dedication to sports began early—often found in the batting cage or fielding grounders with his dad in the backyard.

And that dedication paid off.

Dennis lettered in both basketball and baseball at La Porte High School, later earning induction into the school’s Hall of Fame as both an individual and as a team. He received a full-ride scholarship to play baseball at Western Illinois University, where he still holds several records. He was later inducted into the Western Illinois University Hall of Fame.

Dennis realized every ballplayer’s dream when the Minnesota Twins drafted him to their Single-A team. Through sheer grit—including teaching himself to switch-hit at age 26—he climbed the ranks to play Triple-AAA baseball.

But to think of Dennis as only an athlete would miss the full scope of who he was.

He believed in family. He showed up for every game, recital, and father-daughter dance. When his kids hit rough patches—like when Kelly once filled her Corolla with diesel fuel—he offered calm advice and a steady hand.

He believed in service. As Recreation Chief for the U.S. Air Force, Dennis traveled the world creating joy for servicemen and women. He later spent 24 years as Recreation Superintendent for the Peoria Park District.

He believed in giving back. Dennis coached for seven decades—not just boys’ baseball and soccer, but girls’ soccer and basketball, too.

He believed in patriotism. His heroes—from Sitting Bull to Abraham Lincoln—were Americans who defended their values and independence.

He believed in storytelling. On hot days, you’d find him in a movie theater with a Dr. Pepper, in his armchair reading historical fiction, or at his laptop writing his memoir, Keystone Combinations.

He believed in hard work. Whether crafting lesson plans for his P.E. students at Concordia Lutheran School or managing a team of hundreds at the Peoria Park District, he gave his all.

He believed in sharing a cold beer. At his favorite spot, Po Boys, he was the Norm from Cheers—greeted with hugs and laughter, always ready to hear or share a story.

He believed in history and travel—never passing up the chance to visit a cathedral, castle, or battleground and reflect on what it taught.

He believed in God and the power of scripture. A faithful Lutheran, Dennis turned to God for guidance throughout his life.

His legacy lives on in every field and gymnasium he coached in, every kid who remembers him saying “bad, bad Mr. Big Toe,” every clink of a beer glass, and every life he touched.

He is survived by his son, Kyle Mantick (CO); daughter, Kelly Mantick (CO); spouse, Debby Mantick (IL); granddaughter, McKinnon Mantick (CO); and brother, Duane Mantick (IN).

Dennis' memorial service will be at 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Rev. Ronald Miller and Rev. Chip Winter will officiate. His memorial visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm also on Sunday at the church. Cremation has been entrusted to the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria.

Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to Concordia Lutheran School, where Dennis taught for five years and sent both of his children to school: https://www.concordiapeoria.com/donate/

In memory of Dennis, root for the underdog, laugh often, take your fun seriously—and always give life your very best.