Dennis’s Story

Site created on January 31, 2024

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

There are so many of you that know and love Dennis; that have watched him valiantly fight cancer for over seven years, while still doing ALL the things that make him Dennis. Thank you for all of your prayers, support, and encouragement during those years.  Dennis has gone through surgeries, radiation, and 99 rounds of chemotherapy. On January 20th, Dennis decided to take a rest from his courageous battle and returned home from the hospital to focus on comfort. Gail and Liz were able to get him settled in and make sure he had everything he needed. Since then,  he’s been able to enjoy time with his family and close friends. 
Please continue to  be patient with us as our priority is caring for Dennis. If you would like to visit, please reach out before you come. We will do our best to respond and keep everyone updated as we support him through this time.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Gail Spreen

It is with heavy hearts that we share this latest update with you; early in the morning of February 25th, Dennis Downes passed away peacefully in his sleep. Gail, his devoted wife, was at his side.

Although our hearts are broken, we are comforted knowing that Dennis is no longer in any pain.

We will be remembering and honoring Dennis this next Saturday, March 2nd at Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home & Crematory (1787 Deerfield Road, Highland Park, Illinois 60035). The wake will be from 3p.m. until 5p.m.; the service will be from 5p.m. until 6p.m.

 

Dennis made a monumental impact on all of us and we are beyond grateful for the time that we did have him. We wanted to share the news with you as soon as possible so that those of you who are able to join us to honor Dennis will be able to make plans.

 

We will also be having a celebration of life on May 18th of this year. May is a very special month for Dennis and Gail as it is Dennis’ birthday AND their wedding anniversary. We will send out more information about the Celebration of Life as we get closer.

 

With love and well wishes;

Liz Fox

Downes Studio

Great Lakes Trail Marker Tree Society

 

 

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