Dennis W. Perry

Dennis W. Perry, age 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Born on July 13, 1942, in Chicago, Dennis was the beloved son of Grover and Sophie (Pavlik) Perry. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and engineer who lived a life defined by quiet strength, humility, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

On June 1, 1968, Dennis married the love of his life, Christine A. (Durancik) Perry. Together, they shared 57 years of steadfast companionship, raising five children and building a family filled with love, laughter, and enduring values. He is survived by his cherished wife Christine and their children: Vanessa Perry Pierce (Eric), Debbie Perry-Windle (Rick), Heather Kubic (Charlie), Kelly Perry, and Andrew Perry (Lauren Gensler). Dennis was a proud and loving grandfather to Siena Pierce, Chase Pierce, Calvin Windle, Graham Pierce, Avril Windle, Rhett Pierce, Azalea Kubic, Clancy Windle, Alder Kubic, Hudson Perry, Remington Perry, and Esme Perry.

Dennis served in the Illinois National Guard for 6 years (12/11/1963 – 12/10/1969) during the 1960s and was honorably discharged (Rank: SGT/E-5) after being deployed numerous times during a period of civil unrest, such as during the 1968 riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. His sense of duty to his country and community shaped the way he lived every day.

A skilled mechanical engineer, Dennis retired in 2009 from Electro-Motive after a long and accomplished career which began in August of 1977. Retirement did not slow him down. Dennis was a man who thrived on projects-his hands always busy and his mind always planning. One of his final major undertakings was the design and construction of an additional garage on his property, a true labor of love and functionality. He took great pride in maintaining his 2.5 acres, especially mowing the lawn himself, and he found joy in caring for the family pool so his wife, children and grandchildren could enjoy summers together.

Dennis had a deep love for the water, which was reflected in his passion for both powerboating and sailing. He delighted in time spent on his speedboat and once took a two-week sailing course in California, where he fully immersed himself in learning the craft-going so far as to build his own apparatus to practice tying sailor's knots. Whether on a lake or in his own backyard, water brought him peace and joy.

Service to others was a natural extension of who Dennis was. He served on the Brookfield Planning Commission and the Brookfield Public Library Board, officiated countless swim meets as a certified Illinois Swimming Official, and faithfully mowed his church's lawn for over six years (2009–2015). He also gave his time quietly but meaningfully at Hesed House and Lazarus House, helping those in need with dignity and compassion.

Dennis was also an animal lover, known for his deep affection for the many dogs who shared his life. He was especially fond of his Afghan Hound, Courageous, and five Great Danes-Hunter, Gunner, Bigsby, Maverick, and Shadow-each of whom brought him joy and companionship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, and his beloved dogs. His legacy lives on in his family, in the home he built and maintained with love, and in the many lives he quietly touched with his kindness and generosity.

In keeping with his wishes and in honor of the humble, private man that he was, all services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who wish to honor Dennis to do so through quiet acts of service, generosity, or volunteerism-reflecting the values he lived by every day.