Dennis Sheehan 1944-2019

Dennis Michael Sheehan, 75, of Pekin, died Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Amy’s Country Manor in Pekin.

Born March 24, 1944 in Chicago to Matthew Francis and Nora A. (O’Grady) Sheehan, he married Lisa G. Adkins on July 13, 1985 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are five children, Ellie (Andrew) Volz, Donnie (Jennifer) Schlottman, Matthew Sheehan, all of Pekin, Michael Sheehan of Grays Lake and Mollie Sheehan of Denver, Colorado; six grandchildren, Wesley, Lainey, Hunter, Miley, Daniel and Zoey; one brother, Terry (Gail) Sheehan of Lisle; his mother-in-law, Nadine Adkins of Pekin and three brothers-in-law, Michael (Mary Ann) Adkins of New Albany, Ohio, Tim (Denise) Adkins of Tremont and John (Ronda) Adkins of Pekin.  Dennis loved dogs and also leaves behind his beloved Joe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and a sister-in-law.

A graduate of Loyola University with a bachelor’s degree and Loyola University School of Law with his Juris Doctor degree in 1969, Dennis first worked as an assistant state’s attorney for Tazewell County States Attorney Bernard Oltman. He then worked as an attorney in private practice and as a Tazewell County public defender for 30 years until retiring in 2015.

Dennis also served the community as a board member with TazWood Centers and as a past president and board member of Central Illinois Service Access (CISA).

He was very proud of his Irish Catholic heritage and was an avid philatelist. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.

Dennis was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where he formerly served as a longtime usher.