Denis E. Gschwendtner Obituary (1944 - 2016)

Denis E. Gschwendtner, 72, of Pontiac, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. at Evenglow Lodge Tjardes Health Center in Pontiac. His service will be Monday, March 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Pontiac with cremation rites to follow. Pastor Jarrod Bartholomew will officiate. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pontiac at a later date. Visitation will be Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Pontiac. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. Denny was born February 29, 1944 in Pontiac, IL to Earl "Sonny" and Eileen (Powell) Gschwendtner. He married Dorothy "Dottie" Beck on April 11, 1964 in Pontiac. She survives in Pontiac. Also surviving are their children, Denny "Goose" (Kyra) Gschwendtner of Pontiac, IL, Dan (Sara) Gschwendtner of Pontiac, IL, Dee Dee (David) Stine of Danvers, IL, Dawn (Matt) Dewald of Pontiac, IL, and Doug "Digger" (Tiffany) Gschwendtner of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Alan Gschwendtner of Pontiac, IL; three sisters, Bernice Edwards of Pontiac, IL, Gladys Knudson of Pontiac, IL, and Kay (Louis) Lyons of Pontiac, IL; 12 grandchildren, Luke, Logan, Lani, Grace, Max, Connor, Blake, Abby, Emma, Jake, Morgan, and Sam. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Jo Schultz; and one special nephew, Roger Edwards. Denny attended St. Mary's Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of Pontiac Township High School. He was a lifelong farmer in the Pontiac area and worked at Wilken Seeds. He was a member of the Pontiac Elks and the "Eastside Bored Room". Denny will be missed by many. He enjoyed attending sporting events of his children and grandchildren, and gathering and crop surveying with the "Westside Mafia". Memorials may be made to Pontiac Elks Scholarship, Pontiac Holiday Tournament, or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.