Denise had a love of adventure, likely stemming from growing up in a military family and living in multiple places in the United States before settling in Shiloh, IL as a teenager. There she met Dan, at a church event, and in time, they became high school sweethearts. Education was important to Denise and instead of accepting Dan’s first marriage proposal, she opted to finish her medical technology degree at Columbia College in South Carolina.
After college, Dan and Denise married and then began their family a few years later. Denise was a medical technologist at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL for over 30 years before retiring in 2020.
The most important things to Denise was her faith and her family. Denise was steadfast in her love for Jesus. Going to church every Sunday was a priority for her and she would not let her family deviate from that plan, despite the protest from her children every now and then. Next came her family. Whether it be eating together as a family, taking vacations together or a weekly designated “family fun day”, she did everything she could to show her love for Dan and the kids. While her children were growing up and long after, their house was the one everyone would gather at as Denise had an open-door policy and treated everyone as family.
Denise was blessed to be able to travel both with her dear friends and with her family all over the US, Europe and even the Middle East. Despite her far-flung adventures, boating at Table Rock Lake was where Denise was most happy on vacation.
The title she wore most proudly was the title of “Meme” as she welcomed four dear grandchildren, Liam, Finn, Austyn and Harper over the past 8 years. Time with her grandchildren was cherished and she loved them fiercely. She was an active, kind, fun and loving “Meme”, constantly entertaining the four kids and playing on the floor with them.
Denise fought a courageous battle against cancer that took much from her. She endured more than many of us could even imagine and did so with grace. Never one to complain, she continued to live life the best she could with a quiet confidence of knowing that she would be leaving this life for an eternal life with God, free of pain and suffering. In her last few days, she had found an eternal peace and was constantly surrounded by those she loved the most.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward A. and Alice L., nee Parker, Storey; her sister, Sheryl Brock; and her brother, Edward Storey.
She is survived by her loving husband, Daniel E. Manning; two children, Tara (Cole) Kringlen, and Scott (Stephanie) Manning; four grandchildren, Finn and Harper Kringlen, and Liam and Austyn Manning; a sister, Linda (Ron) Bachali; and many other dear family members.
Memorials may be made to Shiloh United Methodist Church, the church where Dan and Denise met and were married and have been active members for countless years. Condolences and memories may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Family and friends may visit from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, September 25, 2023, at Shiloh United Methodist Church, Shiloh, IL.
Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, September 25, 2023, at Shiloh United Methodist Church, Shiloh, IL, with pastor Ken Hutchens officiating.
Following the service, a dinner and celebration of Denise’s life will be held at Klucker Hall in Shiloh, IL.
A private burial will be at Shiloh Valley Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.