Dennis M Morris

Princeton - Dennis M. Morris, 72, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at OSF St. Francis in Peoria, IL, surrounded by his loving family. Dennis was born on January 10, 1953, in Spring Valley, IL, to the late Joseph F. "Freddy" and Dorothy A. (Stachowiak) Morris. He was raised in Malden and graduated from Princeton High School in 1971. After high school, Dennis married DeeAnn McCauley on January 25, 1975. Together, they had one daughter, Tasha Lynn. Though they later divorced in 1983, they remained friends. In 1991, Dennis married Denise McCullough, on June 16, 1990 and they welcomed a son, Dylan Austin in 1991. Dennis grew up working on the family farm with his father and continued farming into the 1980s. During that time, he also served as the Road Commissioner for Dover Township. In 1986, he transitioned into heavy equipment operation, joining the Local 150 Operating Engineers in Countryside, IL. He worked throughout the Chicago suburbs for over a decade before seeking employment closer to home. Eventually, he joined Advanced Asphalt in Princeton, where he found a true sense of belonging, continuing his career until his retirement in 2012. He was an involved and dedicated father, actively participating in Dylan's Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops as a leader. He enjoyed building go-carts, crafting Pinewood Derby cars, fishing, and camping. When Dylan expressed an interest in martial arts at age six, Dennis, a few years later joined him, immersing himself in the discipline for several years. Beyond his devotion to his family, Dennis had a deep love for music and attending concerts. Morning coffee gatherings with his best friend Jerry and their close-knit group. He was an avid NASCAR fan and preferred watching high school football and basketball over professional sports. He looked forward to every May watching the Kentucky Derby, and all the other races that followed. He also enjoyed target shooting with his son and when he got to see his daughter, because she lives in Florida, he treasured every moment with her family. He was also deeply passionate about history and politics. Above all, Dennis treasured the time he spent with his family, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter. Survived by his wife of 34 years, Denise Morris of Princeton, IL; daughter, Tasha (Steve) Rostas of Palm Bay, FL and son, Dylan (Carrissa) Morris of Chillicothe, IL.: sister, Dr Kathy (Mark) Morris-Stilwell of Livonia, MI, brother, Dave Morris of Princeton; granddaughter, Sade (Ramone) Spence-Cruz, great grandson and great granddaughter, Jayce Spence and Nova Cruz all of Palm Bay, FL,; brothers-in-law, Bill (Sheila) McCullough, Ryan (Michele) McCullough, Cory (Burnadette) McCullough, Matthew McCullough; sister-in-law, Susan (Bob) McCauley, Beverly (Mark) Havel, and Mary McCullough; as well as may nieces, nephews and cousins. Last but not least his very special girl, Malinois Shepard, StanLee Rose. Preceded in death by his parents Joseph F Morris and Dorothy A Morris, grandparents, Father and Mother-in Law, Eler and Julia McCullough, Brother and Sister-in Law, Alan and Diana McCullough, Niece, Margaret (Maggie) Judge as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A visitation will be held at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Services to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Officiated by Charles Warren. A private burial will be held at a later date and time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family or Friends of Strays. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments

Dennis M Morris

January 10, 1953 - January 21, 2025