Dennis Bawinkel

Dennis Bawinkel, 88, of Freeport, Il, died Monday December 4, 2023 at Saint Joseph’s Village in Freeport, IL, following a brief illness. He was born September 30, 1935 in German Valley, IL, the son of Daniel and Helen (Cordes) Bawinkel.

Denny married his beloved wife of 51 years Renate Vogel on February 20, 1960. He served in the US Navy. He worked as a farm hand and at Micro-Switch, before retiring from the US Postal Service. After retirement, he also worked at the Freeport YMCA. Denny is locally known for performing in various country bands, such as Denny and the Westerners, Blue Ribbon Express, Cheyenne, and DDT. He was a longtime member of the Freeport Eagles Club. He was a kind, generous man with a clever sense of humor. He had many friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, and his sister, Gloria (Henry) Miller.

He is survived by one sister, Beulah (Harry) Foley of Freeport, Il; one brother, LaVerne Bawinkel of Holland, MI; three children, Scott (Vicki Moliana) Bawinkel of Fox River Grove, IL, Carmen (William) Graves of Freeport, IL, and Brian Bawinkel of Placeville, CA; three grandchildren , Travis Graves, Maiya Graves, and Cooper Bawinkel; five step-grandchildren, Brandi (Greg) Melancon, Tanya Graves, Kayla (Phillip) Scudder, Scott (Tabitha) Graves and William (Brianna Hooper) Graves; numerous great-grandchildren; and nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be 2:00 PM Friday December 15, 2023 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, IL, with Rev. Larry Elliot officiating. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service also at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home Freeport, IL. Interment will be at Silver Creek Cemetery in German Valley, IL. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Freeport Eagles Club.