KERRY DEES

Kerry A. Dees, age 68, of Oswego, IL, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, June 2, 2023, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. Having suffered from Parkinson’s disease, specifically PSP, for many years, Kerry now is whole and free in Heaven.

He was born July 1, 1954, in Hamilton, OH.

Kerry grew up in Hamilton, OH, and attended local schools. He graduated from Garfield Senior High School with the class of 1974.

Kerry was blessed with two children from a previous marriage. After travelling down life’s pathways, he later rekindled a romance that began in high school when he reconnected with Taria Guthke Dieter in 1997. The love they found after all the intervening years led them down the aisle on August 14, 1999. Not only did their two hearts become one, their two families did as well when his two sons, and Taria’s son and two daughters made the family complete.

Following graduation, Kerry worked and lived locally. He drove greyhound buses for a time which was a unique experience, and one that didn’t last for long after getting lost in Chicago. Later, Kerry worked at a computer facility as a technician. His skills in that department led him to Caterpillar where he enjoyed many years until his retirement in 2017.

Kerry dedicated both body and spirit to karate and boasted a sensei who beat the famed Chuck Norris. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed anything that had to do with being in or around the water. Summers at Lake Cumberland in KY where swimming and boating topped the list and thousands of memories were made with family and friends alike.  Kerry also took advantage of his time when travelling to Ely, MN with his in-laws casting a line for anything he would fish for, and possibly bringing home more stories than fish. Bill Messelling, Kerry’s best friend since high school, enjoyed a lifelong bond through thick and thin. No one could make Kerry laugh like Bill and those priceless moments will continue to echo throughout the remaining years. As a father, Kerry had a unique bond with his two sons, both different and both very special. Taria’s children also loved Kerry for how he loved their mom, and they took away cherished memories of time spent together. His eyes showed immense pride when he became “Papa” to his grandchildren. Amazing connections were made and celebrated on almost every occasion. When he was diagnosed, Kerry focused on his own “bucket list” with an Alaskan cruise from which they enjoyed one-of-a-kind vistas, meals and memories were embedded into his heart. Another item was to see his son Ben and future daughter-in-law Shante get married. Though time was running short, he was able to see them joined in love at his home. Though the “official” ceremony is yet to come, love knows no difference and Kerry was able to be present in body and spirit for such a joyous occasion which was all that mattered.  Those connections with so many people created a latticework of love that spanned years and generations both. He will be missed deeply and will never be forgotten.

He now leaves his loving wife Taria; five children: Ryan (Stacey) Hessler, Justin (Shaunra Orr) Dees, Ashley (Rosty) Lysenko, Lindsey (Nic Jordan) Dieter, and Ben (Shante Carson) Dees; seven grandchildren: Jacob, Leto, Remi, Lucas, Rosty, Preston and Sean; three siblings: Steve (Sandy) Dees and Nancy Dees, and Cynthia Rotte; one stepsister, Eva Johnson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a community of friends.

Kerry is now reunited with his mother Mary Johnson and his step-father, Wade Johnson; a sister, Linda Dimmett; and one stepbrother, Kenneth Johnson who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 4-6:30 p.m., with a funeral service to celebrate Kerry’s life to begin at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: CUREPSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) at https://www.psp.org/iwanttohelp/ways-to-give. Memories and tributes be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.