Dennis J. Ansell

1938 - 2021

Dennis J. Ansell
Dennis John Ansell, 1938-2021
"Denny" was a long time resident of the McHenry/Johnsburg area. He was born to Fred and Sylvia Ansell (nee Sharapata) in Chicago, Illinois on May 17, 1938. He passed away surrounded by his loving family on November 12, 2021.
Denny attended Lane Tech High School in Chicago until his family moved to Johnsburg. He graduated from McHenry High School in 1956. After graduation, Denny proudly served in the United States Air Force in the 380 Armament & Electronics Squadron SAC from 1956-1960.
While on leave from the Air Force Denny met the love of his life Patricia (Pat) Greig. On September 24, 1960 the couple married at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McHenry. Forever in love the couple recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
Denny is survived by his wife Pat and their four children: Barbara (John) Church, Dennis Ansell, John (Sandra) Ansell, and David (Janelle) Ansell; and their grandchildren: Matthew Church, Byron and Brianne Ansell, and Zack (Morgan Vitse) and Ben Ansell. His siblings: Fred (June) Ansell and Janis (Fred) Warner; brothers and sisters in law: Vince Tomasello, Maria (Robert) Feigel, Doris (John) Pitzen and Sally Seliga and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Denny retired from Illinois Bell and Ameritech after working in the McHenry, Woodstock and Chicago areas. Denny believed in giving back to his community. He put his beliefs into action by being a member and Past President of the Crystal Lake Rotary Club. He served on the Planning Commission for the Village of Johnsburg. He was a long time member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McHenry and a long time member of Walleyes Unlimited.
Denny will forever be remembered fondly by his numerous friends and neighbors as someone who was the first to reach out his hand to welcome or help. His many friends quickly speak of how he was always doing something for someone else. He was generous with his time sharing his love of fishing with everyone and offering others gifts of his smoked fish and meat.
Throughout his life, Denny was a passionate fisherman. He always shared his loved of fishing with every little kid and person he met. Now he is able to fish forever.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, brother-in law Darrell Seliga and nephew Nick Pitzen.
Memorial services will be held on November 18 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 3500 Washington St., McHenry, Illinois. The visitation will be held from 10 am – 12 pm, a Mass will follow and burial will follow the Mass.