Dennis "Dale" Santerelli

Age 74 of Morris (Goose Lake), Illinois, passed away Tuesday evening, November 7, 2023, at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, Illinois.

Born July 10, 1949, in Joliet, Illinois, Dennis Dale was a son of Anthony and Stella (Pomykala) Santerelli. He was raised in New Lenox; graduated from Lincoln-Way High School with the Class of 1967 and went on to honorably serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. On September 26, 1970, Dale married Rae Lynn Thomas in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, and together they made a home and raised their family.

Dennis worked as a Carpenter with Local 174 and dedicated many years to the Department of Corrections. Initially working at the Joliet Correctional Facility and later at Stateville Correction Center until his retirement.

One who was an excellent builder, Dale was skilled in carpentry and enjoyed lending a hand to friends and family. He was also a great car enthusiast and took pleasure in his show cars and attending car shows and cruise nights.

He was a member of the Carpenters Local #174; Faith Baptist Church of Goose Lake; the American Legion, and the Morris Cruise Night Committee.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Rae Lynn; daughter, Shellie Santerelli of Seneca; sons: Jerry (Christine) Santerelli of Joliet and Brian Santerelli of Coal City; three grandchildren: Kendall, Erin and Brendon; one sister, Janet (the late Bernard) Shields of Wilmington; two brothers: Gerald (Sandy) Santerelli of New Lenox and Anthony (Linda) Santerelli of Braidwood, and his sister-in-law, Jackie (Steve) Sharp of Cordova, Tennessee, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Joseph Georgis; one sister, Patricia Breneman and one brother, Bernard Santerelli.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Monday, November 13, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until time of memorial service, 7:00 p.m. Pastor Caleb Counterman from Faith Baptist Church of Goose Lake will officiate.

A private inurnment with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dale’s memory to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Dale’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City. (815-634-2125)