Dennis Glore

MORTON – Dennis Michael Glore Sr., 76, of Morton, entered heaven on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 11:48 a.m. 

He was born on May 26, 1946, to Gerald Ivan and Grace Elizabeth (Bandy) Glore, in Peoria, Illinois. Dennis married Jessica Frances (Wilhelm) Glore on February 1, 1969, in Creve Coeur, Illinois at Sacre Coeur Church. They were high school sweethearts who shared 54 years of marriage.

Surviving are his wife Jessica, of Morton; three children, Kristin (Kevin) Kraus, of Morton, Illinois, Dennis (Elizabeth) Glore Jr, of Frisco, Texas and Shannon (Josh) Stubbs of Morton, Illinois; 9 grandchildren, Sky (Shane) Gavin, Noah Kraus, Hudson and Hannah Glore, Emma, Parker, Joshua, Jesse and Esther Stubbs; and one great-granddaughter, Thecla Gavin; two sisters, Mary Alice (Virgil) Krumholz and Marsha Link; and one brother, David (Charlene) Glore, all of Morton, Illinois.

Dennis was preceded in death by both of his parents and one brother, Gerald Glore, Jr. and brother-in-law, John Link.

Dennis graduated from Spalding Institute in Peoria, Illinois in 1964. Upon graduation, he began his career at Caterpillar, Inc. where he worked for 38 years. He was a Maintenance Foreman at East Peoria and retired as a Liner Line Supervisor at Mossville. At age 19, he volunteered his draft and served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 during the Vietnam War (Sergeant -E5) and was the Company Commander’s Radio Telephone Operator. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal (W/Device), Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and a Good Conduct Medal.

Dennis enjoyed many hobbies including performing Caterpillar musical, photography, collecting antique books, and Norman Rockwell. He enjoyed creating beautiful stained glass for his home and to give to others as gifts. Dennis was a self-taught wood worker and had made cradles for his children's babies and of course “Brownie" and "Neigh Neigh" for the grandchildren. He often used felled trees from our home in Groveland.

One of Dennis’ favorite saints was St. Nicholas because of his kindness and generosity and love of children. Dennis spent over two decades as St. Nick during the Christmas season and it was always a joy.

On the morning of March 24, he spent the morning with family and friends surrounded by love and laughter.  Singing included Amazing Grace, Can’t Help Falling in Love (one of Dennis and Jessie’s love songs), Here I am Lord, and a beautiful round of Happy Birthday and the “Glore Birthday Song”. Shortly after the “party,” Dennis passed quickly and peacefully holding his beloved wife’s hand.  The family truly felt blessed and God’s presence.

Dennis will be remembered for his unwavering faith in God, laughter, storytelling, devotion to his family, and joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Dennis was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Morton, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, with Msgr. Gerald Ward officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, with scripture reading and a time to share memories immediately following. Further visitation will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, prior to Mass at the church. Burial of cremated remains will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin where military honors will be conducted.

Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross – Blood Bank, Sophie’s Kitchen in Peoria or the American Cancer Society.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.