Funeral Mass and Military Honor will be held Friday, April 24th at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1301 Center Rd., Venice Florida 34292. 

Dennis was born April 11,1947 in Chicago to the late Morgan and Mabel Bekkum, and passed away peacefully at home February 27, 2026, in Venice Florida. He was the loving husband of Cathy for 57 years; beloved father of Alison (Dean) and Amy (Tom); grandfather of Zackery (Audrey), Abigail, Jace, Connor and Ashley; great grandfather to Emmett and Winona. 

Dennis grew up in Chicago with many summers spent helping on the farm in Coon Valley, Wisconsin. He was drafted in 1966 and served overseas in Vietnam, honorably discharged, coming home in 1968.

Dennis and Cathy married in 1968. They raised their girls for 20 years in Chicago and 29 years in Prospect Heights. Five years ago, they moved to Venice Florida. Many family memories were created at their lake house in Harshaw, Wisconsin.

Dennis was a happy, fun-loving soul who truly enjoyed listening to music, muscle cars, boating, snowmobiling and most of all “grilling." How about some “fresh cut fries?"

Until we meet again, blessings.