Dennis L. Grimmer

1949 - 2021

Dennis L. Grimmer
April 23, 1949 - March 31, 2021
O'Fallon, Illinois - Dennis Lee Grimmer, 71, of O'Fallon, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at his residence in O'Fallon, IL.
Dennis was born April 23, 1949 in Belleville, IL where he grew up and graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1967. From there, he attended college at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 1967 – 1979, obtaining his Bachelor's of Science in History/Education in 1971, his Master's of Science in History/Education in 1975, then finally his Administrative Certification in 1979. He began his teaching career in 1971 at Berkeley High School in Ferguson, MO before relocating to O'Fallon Township High School in 1973 where he spent just over 20 years as an educator and coach, and another 10 years as principal. From there, he relocated once again to St. Teresa Catholic School in Belleville, IL, spending another 10 years as principal. Rounding out his career as an educator, Dennis was a field supervisor at McKendree University's Department of Education until his passing.
During his career, Dennis received many awards, such as: OTHS Teacher of the Year (multiple years), Teacher Award of Excellence, Outstanding Social Studies Teacher from S.I.U.E., Excellence in Education from McKendree University, Distinguished Administrative Services, School Administrator Award of Excellence, and the national World's Finest Principal Award. Dennis was also involved with the local community, holding a seat on the O'Fallon Library Board, the OTHS Endowment Board, the O'Fallon Park Board, and as O'Fallon Alderman. He was also involved with the O'Fallon Planning Commission, the O'Fallon Booster Club, the Knights of Columbus 4239, and was once trustee for the Corpus Christi Church Finance Committee. Dennis positively impacted countless lives during his tenure as educator, coach, and community official; however, his greatest achievement was his love for his family and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his father; Paul Grimmer, and one sister; Marcia Grimmer.
Surviving are his mother; Margaret Grimmer (nee Hoercher) of Mascoutah, IL, his beloved wife; Mary Grimmer (nee Stolte) of O'Fallon, IL, two children; Edwin (Crosby) Grimmer of St. Louis, MO and Amy (Derek) McGuire of Webster Groves, MO, one sister; Kathie (Ron) Mense of Waterloo, IL, one brother; Paul (Kathy) Grimmer of Geoff, IL, three nieces; April Loos, Kristene Theiman, and Melissa Mense, and five grandchildren; Justin Grimmer, Paige Grimmer, Isabelle McGuire, Lydia McGuire, and Harry McGuire.
Memorials may be made to the OTHS Endowment Fund https://www.othsendowmentfund.us/, St. Teresa Catholic School
https://www.stteresatigers.org/, Corpus Christi Catholic Church
https://www.corpuschristishiloh.com/Online-Giving, and Friends of O'Fallon Library https://ofpl.info/friends. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 from 3:00pm-8:00pm at Schildknecht Funeral Home, 301 S. Lincoln Ave., O'Fallon, IL 62269.
A private mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 followed by a graveside service at O'Fallon City Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.