Eldred Ellis Denny—known to many as “Denny”—died peacefully at his home in Elmhurst on July 9, 2019, after living life to the fullest for 89 years. He was a “God, Country, and Family” kind of guy, known for his generous heart, great hugs, and hearty laugh. Eldred was a proud member of the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command and served at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, during the Korean Conflict. He continued in public service as a police officer, first in Elmhurst and then in Lombard, where he was injured on the job. He went on to serve as deputy assessor in York Township and retired as deputy supervisor of assessments for DuPage County. Unafraid to indulge his entrepreneurial spirit throughout his life, Eldred operated a painting and decorating business with his longtime friend Jack Eierman and worked independently as a locksmith, private detective, and real estate appraiser/tax consultant. Recreational interests included hunting, fishing, clock making, woodworking, and tree farming. He was preceded in death by his father Alexander and mother Dagmar (nee Clausen). He leaves behind his wife of 40 years Marianne Kroeger; children Joyce (Gene) Sexton, Joan Staley, Laura (Gary) Kaczmarek, Kevin (Debbie) Denny, David (Sandy) Denny, and Amy (John) Kremer; former wife and mother of his children Marion Krengel Denny; brother Glenn (Shari) Denny; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; a large network of in-laws, extended family, and friends; and his beloved cats Butch, KoKo, and Reba. After family, the biggest love of his life was “The Farm” in Southern Illinois, which he grew from a personal “hidey hole” to a legacy for future generations. Please perform an act of kindness, sip a shot of Metaxa, or plant a tree in his honor. Memorial donations may be made to the Fisher House at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, 5000 S. 5th Ave., Hines, IL 60141 or fisherhouse.org. Family and friends will celebrate his life at a future time. Interment will be private.
