Dennis E Dovel

Dennis E. Dovel, age 77, of Libertyville, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 16, 1947, in Elkhart, IN, Dennis was a longtime resident of Libertyville and a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, enlisting in 1967 and served two deployments during the Vietnam War. He later rejoined the US Navy in 1974, retiring as a Senior Chief (E-8) after 24 years of dedicated service. His naval career included time aboard the Destroyer USS Turner, Cruiser USS Virginia, Recruit Training Command, as a Company Commander, aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea, as a Section Chief, Naval Training Command working to training new sailors, and lastly, the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, retiring in 1992.
Dennis was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville and enjoyed volunteering his time with Libertyville Little League. He will be remembered for his love of working in his garage-tinkering, woodworking, building model cars and birdhouses-and his passion for cars and trucks. Dennis was also dedicated to his job at Cristo Rey St Martin College Prep in Waukegan IL.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Barbara Dovel; five children: Sheri (Steve) Hiatt, Aaron (Randi) Beck, Michael (Shana) Dovel, Jamie (Dan) Jeromin, Nicholas Dovel, and; thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings, Cindy (Steve) Vaitonis and Mike Dovel; and his aunt, Phyllis Jackson.
Dennis was preceded in death by his children, Todd Dovel Bridges and Tycho Dovel, and his sister, Toni Dovel.
His legacy of service, dedication to family, and warm, creative spirit will live on in all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life is pending for June 19, 2025 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1151 S. St. Mary's Rd. Libertyville, IL. 60048. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville.