Dennis Sutherland

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Dennis C. Sutherland, 79, of Smithton, IL, born June 7, 1942, in Mattoon, IL, died Friday, October 1, 2021, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Sutherland was a retired SMSgt., United States Air Force Reserves 932nd Airlift Wing. Previously he served in the United States Army’s 172nd Infantry Brigade Mechanized as a paratrooper. He was a founding member of the Smithton Jaycees, past member of the Catholic War Vets, and had served his community as a volunteer Smithton police officer. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. Most of all, he adored his family and playing with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Ruth, nee Easton, Sutherland; his grandparents who raised him, Charles and Bernice Sutherland; a granddaughter, Breanna Nicole Sutherland; and a brother-in-law, Thomas Wilkens.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Nancy, nee Wilkens, Sutherland, whom he married on June 11, 1971;
a son, Mark (Sara) Sutherland of Smithton, IL;
two grandchildren, Nicholas Charles Sutherland, and Lauren Elizabeth Sutherland;
a sister-in-law, Glenda Wilkens;
and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, 2021, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Smithton, IL. Standard CDC guidelines will be followed, including masks and social distancing.

 Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Smithton, IL, with Rev. Kenneth York officiating.

Burial with military honors will be at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Smithton, IL.

Condolences:

21 Comments on Dennis Sutherland

Rose Edwards said : Guest Report Oct 07, 2021 at 5:58 PM

Condolences to Sutherland family, he was such a nice person. Dennis and I carpooled to the Base several years ago.

  • Smithton
  • Illinois
Donna Harris said : Guest Report Oct 06, 2021 at 3:36 PM

Nancy, Mark, Sara, Nick and Lauren; So sorry to hear about the loss of Dennis. I know he will be missed dearly and hope you can find comfort in the wonderful memories your family has made. ~Donna Harris

  • Freeburg
  • Il
Bill and Angie Bjornstad said : Guest Report Oct 05, 2021 at 4:59 PM

Nancy, Mark, Sara, Lauren, and Nick: Bill and I were shocked to hear of Dennis' death. So happy to have Dennis and Nancy as neighbors. I loved watching Dennis playing with the kids. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Smithton
  • IL
Hank Weaver said : Guest Report Oct 05, 2021 at 8:40 AM

I feel like I’ve known Denny for my entire life. I think we attended St. Joseph Kindergarten together, were often in Boy Scouts activities and, of course, graduated MHS together. He was a fine person, always positive and never had a negative thought towards anyone. I’m sure he will be missed.

  • Tulsa
  • OK
Harold Clark said : Guest Report Oct 05, 2021 at 8:38 AM

Sorry for your loss. I worked with Dennis at the 932nd Reserve Group, you could always depend on Dennis to help you, he was a great person.

  • Salem
  • IL
Linda Smith Birdsong said : Guest Report Oct 04, 2021 at 10:30 PM

Dennis was a neighbor and classmate. We shared the same birthday. We often rode to school together after I had a car. I lived with my grand parents the Thomas’s on Champaign. Prayers for the family.

  • Creal Springs
  • IL
Frank and Pat Evans said : Guest Report Oct 04, 2021 at 8:47 PM

We are so sorry to lose such a wonderful and helpful neighbor. We will miss the conversations over the back fence. May God be with the family during this time.

  • Smithton
  • IL
Virginia Ground-Driskell said : Guest Report Oct 04, 2021 at 7:36 PM

So very sorry to learn of Dennis' passing. Always enjoyed spending time with him and Nancy. Such a proud Dad and Grandpa. Dennis was a great relative and friend. Thinking of you with love, Nancy. Marc and Sara, you look after your sweet Mother. She will need you and her grandbabies to love on. Virginia Ground-Driskell

  • Neoga
  • IL
Richard Cobble said : Guest Report Oct 04, 2021 at 7:57 AM

I was so sorry to hear about Dennis. He and I graduated from high school,together. We also,joined thenIllinois National Guards the same time. He will be missed by all that knew him. R I P buddy.

  • Twinsburg
  • Ohio
Cheryl Adams said : Guest Report Oct 03, 2021 at 8:25 PM

RIP/H to one sharp Air Force Senior Master Sergeant. When it came to professionalism AND kindness, Dennis set the bar high. I learned so much from him. Sending up prayers for Nancy and all his loved ones.

  • Jacksonville
  • Florida
Randy and Cindy Weber said : Guest Report Oct 03, 2021 at 1:20 PM

So sorry to hear about Dennis. He was a good man I really liked him. I'm not able to attend his funeral as I am in Mattoon getting my knee replaced. I want you to know I am truly sorry for the loss of a wonderful man.

  • Hurst
  • Il.
George Poston said : Guest Report Oct 03, 2021 at 7:29 AM

Our condolences to your family, Dennis was a great neighbor and dear friend, you will be truly missed.

  • Smithton
  • Ill
Nancy J Rogers said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 10:04 PM

Nancy, Mark, Sara, Nick and Lauren- I am so sorry to hear about your husband, father and grandfather. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed

  • Smithton
  • IL
Carlene Davis said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 9:13 PM

You all have my deepest sympathy. I enjoyed working with Dennis at the 932d for many years. Your family and friends are in our prayers. He will be missed.

  • West Chester
  • OH
Ed Mehrhoff said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 2:59 PM

Dennis, what awesome Man. Always willing to help. May you rest in peace my friend. I pray for family and loved ones. Until I see you again. Amen.

  • House Springs
  • Mo
Stephanie said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 1:55 PM

With my deepest sympathy, forever will your dad, wife, father-in-law and grandfather be in my heart, thoughts and prayers. I send strength to all! Loved getting to talk to him at backyard BBQ's, visiting during a yard sale, just anytime I had the chance to say hello! He always had kind words to say to me and touched my heart as he has so many! He is going to be greatly missed by all.

  • SMITHTON
  • IL
Edward “Speedy” James said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 1:54 PM

Awesome 👏🏿 Guys who had back and not afraid to make a decision! Total respect! R.I.P.

  • Ramstein AB
  • Germany
Emory Ramclam said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 1:01 PM

May memories bring you peace. Love Emory & Pamela Ramclam

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Kenna & Craig Collier said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 12:32 PM

Nancy, Mark & Sara, Dennis was such a special and unique individual and he will be greatly missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Linda Ersery said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 11:53 AM

I am so sorry to hear about Dennis. Hiring him into the training office was one of the best things I did. Nancy you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Woodstock
  • Georgia
Emory Ramclam said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 11:27 AM

May memories bring you peace. Love Emory & Pamela Ramclam

  • Belleville
  • Illinois

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