Dennis Michael Thee

1950 - 2024

Dennis Michael Thee

January 18, 1950 - July 18, 2024

DECATUR - Dennis Michael Thee, 74, of Decatur, passed away on July 18, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Dennis was born January 18, 1950 to Rita and Jospeh Thee in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He started his career at Ford, and spent the rest of it in the car business eventually starting Decatur Auto Auction with his business partner, Pat Stillman (deceased). Dennis was an old school businessman who believed in the power of a handshake and loyalty to employees and customers, which shows after 27 years of dedication to the business and Decatur community.

On April 24, 2010, he married his loving wife, Joni Thee, who brought three additional children into Dennis' life and eventually plenty of grandchildren. Being a grandfather to Ella, Larissa, Sophia, Myla, and Malachi was one of Dennis' fondest roles.

He didn't always have the words to say, but he always showed up through his actions. He was the type to drive hours to move his daughter in and out of every city and apartment, no matter the number of stairs involved or the insane temperatures. He not only showed up to every soccer, basketball and football game, be he was the first to volunteer to coach. To his core, he was always a provider who prided himself on providing for his family and looking out for his employees. He held out hope and fought until the very end, fearful not for himself, but for who would take care of those he left behind. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering.

He is survived by his wife, Joni; his children: Alli, Harrison (Kristina), Nick (Lauren) and Caroline, and his children and grandchildren by marriage: Darin (Kristin) Doty and their child, Ella; Blake (Rachelle) Wells and their children, Larissa, Sophia, and Malachi; and Jared Wells and his daughter, Myla.

A Memorial service will be held at 12:30 PM, Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Saturday at the funeral home.

Using his business acumen to help the community brought him a great amount of joy. Even up to his last days, he was helping City of Praise church create a plan to open a low cost daycare for those in need. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in his name to City of Praise Church, 1415 N Edward St, Decatur, IL 62526, to make his last project come to fruition.

Dennis' family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Kairouz and the nurses and staff at Cancer Care Specialists for their expert and loving care.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.