Dennis Duane Wilson

Dennis Duane Wilson, 77, of Springfield, passed away at 12:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Dennis was born December 19, 1937 in Flint, MI, the son of Oscar and Leone Alberta Jochen Wilson. He married Kate Whitney on December 27, 1969 at Laurel United Methodist Church in Springfield. Dennis graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in English, later earning a master's degree in English from Eastern Illinois University. Dennis served in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1964. He taught English at Lanphier High School from 1966 until 1994. He also worked part-time at Lincoln Greens for more than 30 years. He coached golf and led his team to three conference championships and regional titles numerous times. He was also a successful competitive weightlifter, even through his senior years. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and was a member of Kiwanis. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Kate Wilson of Springfield; two daughters, Wendy Leone (Bill) Oakes of Springfield and Sarah Helen (Brett) Szudy of Gilberts; six grandchildren, Victoria, Genevieve, and Dennis Elkin, Ivy Horner and Liam and Violet Szudy; one brother, Rollin (Nancy) Wilson of Rochester, NY; three sisters, Karen (Robert) Charlebois of Vancover, B.C., Carol Wilson of Sag Harbor, NY, and Carmen Beard of Schaumburg; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. The family will host a Memorial Ceremony at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 2 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 533 S. Walnut, Springfield, IL 62704-1995; American Parkinson Disease Association, Midwest Chapter, Central DuPage Hospital Care Center, 1800 N. Main St., Suite 215Wheaton, IL 60187-3112; or The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donation Processing, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.