Peter J. Thennes

1974 - 2025

Peter J. Thennes
Born: February 13, 1974 in Woodstock, IL
Died: July 21, 2025 in Barrington, IL
Peter James Thennes, 51, of McHenry, IL died on July 21, 2025, after a battle with cancer. Pete was born on February 13, 1974, in Woodstock, IL to Thomas and Karen Thennes. The youngest of three boys, Pete grew up playing in the farm fields outside of Johnsburg, IL and at the family property in Montello, WI. From an early age, Pete developed a love of the outdoors, history and reading. Pete attended Johnsburg High School where he played baseball and football. After graduating from high school in 1992, Pete attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was there that he met a group of individuals that would become lifelong friends. They spent much of their time together cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers, frequenting favorite spots around campus, and traveling. Pete's favorite travel destination was Ireland. He made the trip many times with friends and family. After living in Madison for several years, Pete returned to McHenry to join the multi- generational family business, Ed's Rental. In 2006, he spearheaded the opening of a third location in Algonquin, IL. Pete grew up at Ed's Rental. As a kid, he could be found riding his big wheel around the showroom floor or taking on the guys at the foosball table. Pete cared very deeply for his employees and valued their loyalty. He considered everyone who worked there as a part of his family. In 2009, Pete married his best friend and the love of his life, Shannon. He became a beloved stepdad to a little girl named Ava, whom he adored from the moment they met. In 2010 and 2014, Pete and Shannon welcomed two sons into their family, Clay and Wyatt. Pete's greatest joy in life was being a father. He prioritized spending time with his family, both at home in McHenry and in Wisconsin. He taught the kids to ride bikes, snowmobiles, hunt and fish. He coached Clay and Wyatt's baseball teams and never missed Ava's concerts or theatre performances. The family took memorable trips to national parks, baseball spring training, Canada, and Ireland. Pete was known for his quick wit, kindness and generosity. He was always the first to offer a helping hand to those in need. He donated generously to youth sports, music programs and many worthy causes throughout the community. He leaves a giant hole in the hearts of all who knew him. Pete is survived by his wife, Shannon, his two sons, Clay and Wyatt, and his stepdaughter, Ava. He is also survived by his mother, Karen, two brothers, Philip (Breck) and Donald (Natalie) Thennes. He leaves behind his mother and father-in-law, Faith and Gerald Grossen and brothers-in-law, Adam (Nicole) and Mark (Georgia) Grossen, eleven nieces and nephews, five great-nieces and nephews, many aunts and uncles, cousins, and too many friends to count. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Thennes. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday August 2, 2025 at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Dr. McHenry IL, from 1:00-5:00pm. On Sunday August 3, the visitation will continue at the funeral home from 11:00am-12:30pm with a memorial service starting at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers donations in Pete's name can be made to FISH of McHenry Food Pantry 3515 N Richmond Rd, McHenry, IL 60051 or the McHenry Baseball Assn., PO Box 373, McHenry, IL 60051. For more information please contact Colonial Funeral Home, 815-385-0063.