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Dennis Lee Willmert

[March 03, 2025]  LINCOLN - Dennis Lee Willmert, 74, of Lincoln, Illinois, passed away on February 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on October 20, 1950, to Weldon "Pete" Willmert and Helen (Lucas) Willmert, who preceded him in death, in Lincoln, Illinois.

Visitation:  Friday, March 7, 2025 from 9 - 10:45 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Lincoln

Service:  Friday, March 7, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the church.

Funeral home: Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Lincoln

Obituary

Dennis Lee Willmert, 74, of Lincoln, Illinois, passed away on February 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on October 20, 1950, to Weldon "Pete" Willmert and Helen (Lucas) Willmert, who preceded him in death, in Lincoln, Illinois.

Dennis dedicated his career to serving others, spending 8½ years as a security officer at Lincoln Developmental Center before joining Logan Correctional Center, where he served for 25 years and proudly attained the rank of Major.

Family was at the center of Dennis’s life, and he especially cherished his children and grandchildren. He was a proud and devoted supporter of his children and grandchildren, always attending their activities with joy and enthusiasm. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was actively involved in his church.

Dennis had a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making people smile. Whether through a quick-witted joke or a lighthearted comment, he always found a way to brighten someone’s day. His family adored his ability to bring laughter into any situation, and his warm presence will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his cherished sister-in-law, Beverly Bowns; and his children, Victoria (Jason) Clarke and Brian (Jordan) Willmert. He was a loving grandfather to Evelyn and Eleanore Baker, Adalyn, Emersyn, and Bennett Willmert, as well as Andrew (Sarah) and Collin Fiedler. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Johanna Fiedler. He is preceded in death by his brother, Darrell Willmert.

 

A lifelong lover of gospel music, Dennis found great joy and comfort in its melodies. One of his most treasured experiences was the Bahamas Gospel Music Cruise, which he spoke of fondly. He lived his life with unwavering faith, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to his family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, March 7, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Lincoln, officiated by Pastor Josh Beutow and Pastor Ray Pepple. Visitation will take place prior from 9:00-10:45am also at the church. Following the service, a graveside ceremony will take place at Zion Cemetery.

Dennis Willmert will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In honor of Dennis’s life and legacy, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions may be made to The Pekin Police Foundation, Grace Baptist Church of Tremont (with funds designated to assist those entering the ministry), and toward the purchase of a lilac bush in his memory. Dennis found great joy in watching the birds that visited the lilac bush in his and Marilyn’s backyard, and this living tribute will serve as a reminder of his love for nature and the simple pleasures in life. Services have been entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln, IL.

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