Dennis Elam

MANITO – Harry “Dennis” Elam, 76, of Manito, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Pekin Manor.

He was born on March 6, 1946, in Macomb, Ill., to Earl and Buna (Harry) Elam. He married Virginia Wagher on April 12, 1967, in Peoria.

Surviving are his wife, Virginia Elam of Manito; sons, Tom (Laura) Elam of Morton and Chris (Cindy) Elam of Manito; five grandchildren, Hunter, Caroline, Annette, Kyle and Jack; siblings, Leta (Dave Parkinson) Berbaum of Peoria Heights, Rich (Paula Sepich) Elam of Peoria Heights, Robin (Randy) White of Peoria; one brother-in-law, Jim (Mary) Stickelmaier; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Bill Elam and one sister, Judy Stickelmaier.

Dennis was a United States Vietnam veteran having served with the Army from 1966 to 1968.

He was a 1964 graduate of Limestone High School.

Dennis worked 30 years at Caterpillar, retiring in 1996 as a material inspector.

He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing and spending a lot of time out on his farm. Dennis was a member of the NRA and a vocal advocate for the 2^nd Amendment. He was a Boy Scout Leader with Troop 200 in Bartonville. Dennis was a big supporter of his grandchildren’s athletic events and activities.

He was a talented story teller and loved to have a listener.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Manito, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, with Fr. David Whiteside officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Friday, prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, where full military rites will be accorded.

Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Building Fund.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family or to view Dennis’ tribute video, visit www.knappjohnson.com.