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Dennis Schlaffer Obituary
PORT BARRINGTON - Dennis Andrew Schlaffer, born to Edward and Patricia Schlaffer on April 11, 1951, passed away peacefully in his home on June 16, 2025. He was the second of 5 children who grew up on the north side of Chicago around the corner from Wrigley Field.
He was a beloved father to Denny, Kristy, Katie and Michael. Some of their best memories include a shared love of the Cubs, playing tennis, bowling, Friday night pizza nights, sledding and Dennis' legendary Halloween decorations.
He met his wife Teri of 44 years at work and the two were married shortly after moving to Hawaii, where they lived for 2 years. Dennis and Teri enjoyed spending time with their kids and grandkids and frequent trips to their happy place on St. Simons Island, GA.
After a long career at GEICO Insurance working as an auto claims supervisor, he happily retired in 2011.
Dennis was an avid lover of golf which began after he and some friends joined their high school golf team. This sparked a lifelong passion for the sport. Every Sunday you could find him on the course with his best friends Frank and Ricky and often his son-in law Andrew, enjoying their standing tee time at Bonnie Dundee.
In addition to golf, he had a passion for photography, meteorology, scary movies, horse racing, painting and food. Nothing made him happier than a McDonald's chocolate milkshake or eating an entire tray of sloppy joes.
His nice and easy laugh was contagious. Dennis was the life of the party, enjoyed making other people laugh and didn't take life too seriously. He was a loyal friend and loved his grandkids. His goofy lighthearted personality made him a big kid himself.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Patricia Schlaffer; siblings, Michael Schlaffer, Carrie Rivera and Julie Votl.
Dennis will be dearly missed by his wife, Teri; sister, Nancy; children, Dennis, Kristy (Brian), Katie (Andrew) and Michael; his grandchildren, Haley, Frank, Madison, Chloe, Sebastian and Avery; many nieces and nephews; and his first wife, Marguerite (Behrens).
A celebration of life will be held in Dennis' honor. Please reach out to the family directly for details.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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christine and jeff drake next door neighbors
July 1, 2025
Dennis was always so friendly and nice to talk to, we enjoyed having him as a neighbor and will miss him. Teri, Michael and family we are so sorry for your loss, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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