Dennis Van Matre

Dennis Van Matre, 72, of Freeport, died Saturday, December 1, 2018 in his home. Dennis was born October 16, 1946 in Freeport, the son of Homer and Kathryn (Stevens) Van Matre. He married Florence Magdadaro on November 21, 1970. Dennis was a graduate of Freeport High School. Following graduation he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force from January of 1966 to May 1969. He worked at Kelly Springfield for 38 years before retiring. Dennis was an avid outdoors man and a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. He was a member of Crossroads Community Church. Surviving are his wife, Florence Van Matre of Freeport; four children, Taisha (John Wuethrich) Ruegsegger of Monroe, Wisconsin, and children, Brittany (Derek Morgan), Joseph and Caleb Ruegsegger all of Monroe; Charles "Buddy" (Karen) Poaha of Freeport, and their children, Tasha and Amber Rae; Micheal (Becky) Van Matre, and their children, Mikayla, Kiera, and Teagan; Kevin (Jaime) Van Matre of Jacksonville, Florida, and their children, Isaiah and Kaiden; special pets/buddies Milo and Bailey; brother, David (Linda) Van Matre of Freeport, and Darryl Van Matre of German Valley. Also surviving is one great-grandchild, Alaia. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Donald Van Matre. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday December 8, 2018 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Chaplain Sean Huguenin will officiate. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. A memorial has been established for Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center in Mr. Van Matre's memory. Please sign Dennis' guestbook at www.burketubbs.com