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Visitation:
Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4 - 7 p.m. at
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Service:
Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family
Catholic Church in Lincoln.
Funeral home:
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Lincoln
Obituary
Bill Dennis lived a
life defined by faith, family, hard work, and an
unwavering commitment to serving others. He believed
that “to whom much is given, much is expected,” and
he spent his life putting those words into action.
His legacy is not only what he built, but the
countless lives he touched along the way.
Above all, he was a devoted husband. He and his
beloved wife, Jeri, met in college and shared 62
years of marriage, building a life together that was
marked by love, partnership, and an extraordinary
devotion to one another. They were inseparable from
the beginning. His love for her remained steadfast
throughout their lives together, and he continued to
care for her with deep devotion until just days
before his passing. Their enduring love stands as a
beautiful testament to a lifetime of commitment.
He was the proud father of five children: John
(Chris) Alberico, David (Sue) Dennis, Catherine
Dennis, Michael (Michelle) Dennis, and Judi (Kurt)
Nochowicz. His love for family extended beyond his
own household. Guided by his belief that those who
have been
blessed have a responsibility to give back, he
opened his home and heart to foster children and
adopted his oldest son, demonstrating that family is
built not only through birth, but through love,
commitment, and showing up when someone needs you.
He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 11
great-grandchildren, along with his three sisters,
Sandy, Charla, and Charise.
His commitment to serving others extended far beyond
his family. He was the kind of person who stopped to
help a stranded motorist, picked up cars for people
who needed them, shared resources with those who
were struggling, and looked for ways to make life a
little easier for others. He supported his church,
his neighbors, and his community, giving generously
of his time, talents, and resources. He didn't wait
to be asked or need
recognition for what he did. Helping others was
simply part of who he was.
A dedicated businessman, he established his business
in Lincoln in 1976 and later expanded to
Bloomington. Through years of hard work and
perseverance, he built a business that became an
important part of his life's work. Upon his
retirement, his son
Michael took over the business, continuing the
legacy his father had worked so hard to establish. |
His faith was
reflected not only in his support of the church but
in the way he lived each day. He also devoted
countless volunteer hours to the Marine Corps
League, continuing his commitment to service,
veterans and community. Whether through his
business, his
volunteer work, or the quiet, practical ways he
helped others, he lived by the conviction that we
all have a responsibility to use what we have to
make a difference.
He often reminded his children, “Don't forget who
you are.” Those words were more than advice; they
were a reflection of the values he hoped to instill
in his family. He taught through his actions that
character is demonstrated by how we treat others,
that generosity
is a responsibility, and that a meaningful life is
measured not simply by what we accomplish, but by
what we give.
His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the
business he built, the faith he practiced, and the
many people whose lives were made better because he
was part of them. His children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren carry forward the lessons he
taught and the example he set.
He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and a
community made better by his generosity. His life
was a testament to the belief that when we are given
much, we are
called to give much in return.
He will be profoundly missed and lovingly
remembered.
A memorial mass for Bill will be held at 10:00 am on
Friday, October 16, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic
Church in Lincoln. Visitation will take place the
night prior on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00
- 7:00 pm at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in
Lincoln. Military rites will be accorded by the
American Legion Post #263 at Elkhart Cemetery
following the memorial mass. Memorials may be made
in Bill’s name to the Marine Corps League Detachment
#1336 in Lincoln.
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