Kenneth A. DeZee

Age 68 of Wilmington, Illinois, formerly of Elwood, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at his residence.

Born May 28, 1955 in Joliet, Illinois, Kenneth Allan is a son of William and the late Philomena (Benco) DeZee. He was raised in Joliet where he attended St. Patrick Catholic School, and later graduated from Tremper High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Ken worked for Exxon Mobil oil refinery in Joliet as a process operator and served on the Mobil Fire Brigade for 35 years until he retired. He was a sociable guy who enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Wilmington VFW and Goose Lake Club. Ken was a great sports fan, especially of basketball and football, and also took pleasure in fishing and camping at the Yogi Bear Camp Ground in Amboy, Illinois. Above all else, he loved his family and treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his father, William DeZee of Orangeville, Illinois, and children: Heather DeZee of Minooka, Illinois, Jennifer DeZee of Naperville, Illinois, and Jacqueline DeZee (William Russell) of Morris, Illinois; one step son, Ruebin (Julia) Conterez of Carbon Hill, Illinois; five grandchildren: McKenna, Bre’Anna, Antonio, Carmine, and Jaxson; four siblings: Deborah (Doug) Kohls, Margaret “Peggy” DeZee, Mike DeZee, and Mary DeZee (Darrell Scace); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis DeZee, his wife, Cressa DeZee, and two brothers: Jacque and Billy DeZee.

Per his wishes, cremation rites are being accorded, and the family will receive friends for a celebration of life at the VFW Malcom J. Mayo Post 5422, 557 West Baltimore Street, in Wilmington on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s memory may be made as gifts to the Wilmington VFW.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Ken’s memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.