Dennis L. Cordes

Dennis L. Cordes Age 81, formerly of Wilmington and Maroa, IL, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Arc at Dwight. Dennis was born September 16, 1944, in Bonfield, IL, the son of Vernon and Evelyn (née Hamann) Cordes. On August 16, 1969, he married Betty Lea Tanner at Braceville United Methodist Church. Together, they shared many wonderful years of marriage and made countless memories throughout their life together. Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. He was employed with ExxonMobil, where he worked as a supervisor for many years before retiring. Dennis had a lifelong love of horses, especially his Quarter Horses. He was a member of the National Barrel Horse Association and the Illinois Barrel Racing Association and spent many years attending and participating in horse shows. Dennis enjoyed competing in flag racing, plug racing, and barrel racing. His horses were a tremendous part of his life, and few things brought him more enjoyment than the time he spent with them. Dennis is survived by his children, Lorne (Dawn) Cordes of Chatsworth, IL, Justine (Sonny) Duke of Wilmington, IL, Mickel Cordes of Carbondale, IL; six grandchildren, Ashlee (Justin), Adam (Danielle), Amber, Alyssa, Stephanie (Kyle), and Matthew; five great-grandchildren, Lane, Jaxson, Roselynn, Reston, and Ronin, with two more great-grandchildren on the way; his brothers, Jerry Cordes of Florida, Ronald (Barb) Cordes of Bonfield, IL, and Lanny (Marilyn) Cordes of Grant Park, IL; his sister, Vicky Cordes of Kankakee, IL; sister-in-law, Judy Cordes of Minnesota; and brother-in-law, Dave Harvey of Limestone, IL. Other survivors include his good friend, Don Eberle, and his two beloved Quarter Horses, Moon and Ryan. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Evelyn Cordes; his wife, Betty Lea Cordes; his brother, Francis Cordes; and his sister, Judy Harvey. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Arc at Dwight for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Dennis over the years, as well as Transitions Hospice for the thoughtful and compassionate care provided during his final days. Their kindness and support were deeply appreciated by Dennis and his family. In accordance with Dennis's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home and Crematory in Braidwood, IL, with a memorial service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place later that day at 2:30 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, where Dennis will receive full military honors and be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Betty. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dennis's name may be directed to Transitions Hospice or to an animal charity of the donor's choice. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Dennis’s online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336 www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com

Dennis L. Cordes

September 16, 1944 - September 1, 2026

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Dennis L. Cordes

September 16, 1944 - September 1, 2026

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