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Dennis DeBondt Obituary

Dennis J. DeBondt 58, At rest Saturday, February 13, 2016. A comedy magician, know as the Sears Tower of Magic. Beloved husband of Jane. Loving father of Samantha (Grant) Shreve and Jack. Beloved son of Alma Jean and the late Bernerd. Dear brother of Larry, Kevin and Michael. Fond nephew of "Boots" Lehman. Visitation Thursday from 3:00 to 8:00: P.M. at Cumberland Chapels (FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS) 8300 W. Lawrence Ave. Norridge. Funeral Service 8:00 P.M. Interment Private. Info:www.cumberlandchapels.com or 708/ 456-3410

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis DeBondt

Not sure what to say?





Joe Cox

June 28, 2016

June 28, 2016

I am rebuilding my website and went to check on Dennis's website with a search for "Very Funny Magic." What a loss to find out Dennis had moved on. I first saw him at a Jewish wedding I was playing for in the Grand Ballroom of the Drake Hotel in Chicago. He was leaning against the wall playing with a Chicago Tribune paper. The kids were ignoring him and playing on the floor at his feet. Then, Dennis did something with the newspaper, to this day, I do not have the foggiest idea what, and Dennis had ALL of them in the palm of his hand.
Dennis DeBondt was an amazing man of the highest integrity.

Katie Sullivan

March 10, 2016

Dennis was a signature entertainer for our BIG Family Day Parties at Cordia Senior Residence in Westmont. We were the talk of the town when he made a child float in the air right in front of us! The kids as well as the seniors loved him! He was so fun to watch and was so very sweet to each and every person he encountered. One of our family members loved him so much that they ended up booking him for a private party of their own. He will be missed by so many!

March 8, 2016

I hadn't heard about this. Dennis was a good friend and I tried to create as many opportunities to work with him as I could. It was always a pleasure to see him work. My condolences to The Mighty Jane.

Doug Normington
NORMCO Multi-Media

Jacqueline Crane

February 20, 2016

Dennis performed for the Wilmette Park District's July 3rd Independence Day celebration for over a decade. He will be remembered for his magical skills and comic genius. I will remember him as a caring individual with the image of him interacting with a physically challenged young man in a wheelchair. The smile on that young man's face and the amazement in his eyes were the gifts Dennis gave to each of us.

February 19, 2016

I had the pleasure of working with Dennis for many events over the years.

He was extremely talented and classy and unique! He was a star all the way!

He was fun, entertaining and very kind.

Jane Gardner

February 18, 2016

Dennis was the Best Magician we had perform for the library in Lockport, IL. He had a way of making everyone young and old laugh. He will be deeply missed. Thanks for all the magical memories. Prayers and thoughts be with the family at this sad time.

#52 & #14 Mexico High School 1975 Seniors

Don Dempski

February 18, 2016

DeBondt Family,

My deepest sympathy. I was shocked to hear the news. Dennis and I have remained friends since our high school days.

I will always treasure the memories and times of Dennis being Dennis and making people laugh, mostly at themselves. He had a gift.

I #14 have lost a life long friend and former teammate, #52 Dennis DeBondt.

Jane Gardner

February 18, 2016

Dennis was the Best Magician to perform at our library in Lockport, IL. He had a way of making everyone kids and adult laugh. He will be missed. God bless the Debondt family at this sad time.

Gregg Peters

February 18, 2016

One of the "greats" in Chicago magic, and a friend I will dearly miss. I'm still stunned by his passing, and our hearts go our to you Jane, and the family.

February 18, 2016

Jane, my heart goes out to you, Samanatha and Jack for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My the love and support of friends and family help provide you strength. Lisa, Kerry and Richard

Robbie Levensbaum

February 17, 2016

Our sincerest sympathies from Suzy and I. Thoughts and prayers Jane and the family. Dennis we will miss you !!!

Janice Igra

February 17, 2016

My heart hurts for everyone in the DeBondt family. I am so very sorry for you loss. May your strength come from all the fun memories & loving moments he shared with you.
I met Dennis about 30 years ago when he did a magic program for me at the Village of Lincolnwood. He was THE BEST! My two boys and I had been friends with him for many years.

Last year I got remarried. Dennis was at our Wedding Celebration Party. HE WAS the party! We are so happy to have this memory & we will forever hold it close in our hearts. We loved him too. Dennis will be missed by everyone who knew him.

With Sadness, Blessings, Hope, and our Deepest Sympathy,

Janice, Brandon & Zack Igra

Ellen Fitzgerald

February 17, 2016

We have had Dennis perform at our library a few times, and I have seen him a few times at library events. He was a wonderful performer, and an enjoyable person to work with. I know he will be truly missed in the library community.

Patsy Austin

February 17, 2016

Jean,
Holly just shared with me about Dennis. I'm shocked. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Will call and talk with you later.
Patsy

Andrea Kleban

February 17, 2016

Dear Jane - I just heard from Doug and my heart is heavy for your loss. My deepest thoughts and warmest prayers are with you and your family! God Bless You Dear!

February 17, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Peace and love to you.
The Mues Family
Kevin, Candy, Marcus and Matthew

Carol Loughnane

February 17, 2016

I just heard the sad & shocking news about Dennis. He just performed at our library January 26. Our patrons loved his shows. Sending my deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed.

Lee Smith

February 17, 2016

I was shocked to hear of Dennis's passing. We played basketball together in the 80's. Dennis also performed at the Fraternal Order of Eagles kids and adult Christmas parties to the delight of all. The day before my mother in law passed Dennis did a free show at her nursing home.
Although we lost touch about 15 years ago I have many fond memories of our days together.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends.Dennis was a loving caring man who be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him.
Rest in peace my friend.

February 17, 2016

There is a special place in heaven for someone that can bring joy and wonder into peoples' lives. 20+ years ago we met Dennis at a Special Olympics where he was entertaining the children. Over the years, at retirements, anniversaries, and Christmas parties, he never failed to entertain. We had a connection to Mexico, Missouri too. He was our friend, and we will miss him.
The Goebels

Mary K Celentano

February 17, 2016

Dear DeBondt family,
Although we have never met, I feel as if I know you all. Over the last 20 years Dennis has delighted my group with his wonderful humor and "very funny magic" many, many, times. He always spoke so lovingly of you all and how fortunate he was to have you in his life.
Please know that you are in my thoughts, my prayers and in my heart. We have all lost a very funny, magical man.
Mary K Celentano
Cambridge On The Lake
Social Events Director

Barbara Giannoni

February 17, 2016

DeBondt Family,
Prayers and condolences during this difficult time. The Giannoni Family

Jerry Bell

February 17, 2016

I'm so sorry for this loss to the DeBondt family. So many memories of Dennis over the years, and was struck to hear of his passing. He brought such humor and laughter to many. You will be in our thoughts and prayers, and peace to all of you.

Andy Ekern

February 17, 2016

DeBondt Family,
So sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Launder Mary

February 17, 2016

Our love, prayers and thoughts are with you, your family and friends during this difficult time. Many fond memories to carry with us. Mary Launder and Allen Green

Dobie Maxwell

February 17, 2016

As a professional entertainer, many people cross our paths who are acquaintances or colleagues, but very few cross the line of true friendship.

For me, Dennis did that and we spent a lot of time hanging out in the past several years.

I lived not far from his cottage in Lake County, and got to know him, his Aunt Boots and his extended family. What fantastic people they are, and they all treated me as if I were a long lost cousin.

Dennis was both a terrific entertainer and shrewd business person - extremely rare in our field. He was also a very genuine and down to earth soul who would be there any time I needed anything.

Just last week he called me to invite me to lunch, and I was right in the middle of something and I let the call go to voice mail. I played the message back and as usual he was funny and light hearted and it made me laugh out loud.

Then the next morning I got a call telling me that he had passed, and I am still in shock and saddened beyond words.

Peace and comfort to his family, fans and friends, and may his memory live on in all of us who knew and loved him. SO sad.

Kathy Erdel Beykirch

February 16, 2016

I know Dennis adored his family. So very sorry for your loss.

Joellyn Stoliar

February 16, 2016

My prayers and condolences with the DeBondt family. I met Dennis over 25 years ago when he came to perform at the JCC's for the children and family programs. After working with him once, he became a regular highlight of entertainment for vacation days, Children's camp entertainment, and family fun. Dennis had a way of capturing the entire audience with his quick wit and humor. As the years went by, I would run into him at other events and charity functions, and he always gave a friendly hello. He was never to busy or pre-occupied to inquire about me and my kids. He also spoke with great pride about his family and what they were up to. I am so sorry for your loss. He had a gift of making everyone around him smile. He touched the lives of many people. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you all.

February 16, 2016

Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dennis DeBondt. While we didn't have the pleasure of knowing him well, he was charming, friendly, talented and very, very funny. He brought smiles to our Club members whenever we were graced with his presence. He was a sweet and gentle man and we will miss him.

The members of the Over Fifty Five Club, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Palos Heights, IL

Scott Petersen

February 16, 2016

I was greatly saddened to learn this news about Dennis. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family.

Nancy Davis

February 16, 2016

Jane,
Our hearts broke when we heard the news. He was an amazing man. He dearly loved his family above all. Praying for all of you.
Mike & Nancy Davis

June Fox

February 16, 2016

What a great entertainer! Performed at Prairie school in Buffalo Grove for years for the Fifth graders . I really enjoyed him!!!! I feel very sad today to find out he passed.
June

Gregg Opelka

February 16, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with Jane and her family. Comedy itself is shedding a tear today for Dennis. He called himself "Mr. Lucky"--but it's we who were the lucky ones. Rest peacefully, Dennis.

Karen Hanas

February 16, 2016

Jane,
I am so sorry.

Barb Cohen

February 16, 2016

Dennis recently performed for our sons fraternity and parents during Dads Weekend at the University of Illinois. It is not easy to impress and entertain a bunch of college boys, but of course Dennis wowed them! He was smart, funny and talented and will be greatly missed.

Gail Scott

February 16, 2016

I am so very sorry. Dennis touched so many lives, he was such a special man. I will always remember him. My heart goes out to your family, and prayers.

Gail Scott
Crete Public Library

Susan Miura

February 16, 2016

The staff of the Schaumburg Township District Library offers condolences and will miss Dennis, whose wit, magic and humor brought so much joy to our patrons and employees. May he rest in eternal peace.

Joyce and Dan Schmitt

February 16, 2016

Dear Jane,
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. May your wonderful memories be of comfort to all of you.
Affectionately, Joyce and Dan

Linda Sawyer

February 16, 2016

My thoughts are with your family at this time. Dennis was a great person and an incredible entertainer. So honored to have known him.

The Staff of Cumberland Chapels

February 16, 2016

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Memorial Events
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Feb

18

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cumberland Chapels

8300 West Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL 60706

Feb

18

Funeral service

8:00 p.m.

Cumberland Chapels

8300 West Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL 60706

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8300 West Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL 60706

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