Dennis graduated from Belleville West High School and was a high school math teacher. In his retirement years, he truly enjoyed subbing in the Mascoutah School District.
Dennis was a lifelong basketball fan. He shared his love for basketball with his best friends, Bud Wolke and Larry Graham. A famous quote Dennis used often was “You will always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” He was a staunch supporter of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. He attended as many IBCA events as possible and was a member of the IBCA Southwestern Illinois Larry Graham Hall of Fame Committee and the Southwestern Illinois Dave Shannahan Golf Committee. “Schick,” as he was fondly known, started the Superfan Shootout and continued organizing showcase basketball events for the rest of his life. He was the greatest basketball Superfan.
Dennis was also a board member and instructor of the West County Swing Dance Club for two years, the Music Swing Club for several years, and the “Let’s Swing” dance class for the past four years. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching dance.
Above all else, Dennis adored his dear children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them. He always made the effort to make it to all the grandchildren’s different events over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Violet, nee Hacker, Schickedanz.
He is survived by a son, Dene Schickedanz (Christi Longnecker) of Edwardsville, IL; their four children, Landen, Spencer and Ryder Schickedanz, and Jackson Garman; a daughter, Elizabeth (Matt) Hancock of Mascoutah, IL; their four children, Abby, Madison, Sophia, and Luke Jefferson Hancock; a sister, Karen (Don) McNeill; two nieces, Shannon (Brian) Thompson and Jennifer (Tim) Froemling; great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins; and many other dear family members.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, February 19, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Ron Woods officiating.
Burial will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.