Robert E. Denny

Robert Edwin Denny, 90, of Crystal Lake, peacefully passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022, at JourneyCare in Barrington. He was born on July 19, 1932, in Springfield, IL to Rollin and Helen (Shields) Denny.

Bob attended Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield, IL. After high school, he attended Quincy College, then he spent a year in the seminary in St. Louis. At age 20, Bob enlisted in the Army. After his discharge, he met his future wife, Cynthia Tindall, at Illinois State University. They were married on May 16, 1958, in Bloomington, IL, and then moved to Crystal Lake.

Education carved the path to Bob’s future receiving two Masters of Science degrees. He retired as the Head Guidance Director at Crystal Lake Central High School. His multi-faceted career included many roles; teacher, coach, janitor, counselor, class sponsor, and chaperone. Even after retirement, Bob continued to serve community learners at McHenry County College in the counseling department. Early in his career, he worked during the summers as a railroad fireman.

Bob was a devoted member of St. Thomas Catholic Church for over 64 years. As an active member of the Crystal Lake community, Bob volunteered countless hours with the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, American Legion, and March of Dimes. Many remember seeing Bob pedaling around Crystal Lake, on the golf course, or swimming laps at the pool.

Bob and Cindy adventured all corners with Elderhostel creating new friendships along the way. The family loved hosting AFS exchange student Isabel Lagos Garcia-Burr from Santiago, Chile meeting her family 40 years later in Chile. A spiritual highlight Bob and Cindy shared for many years was visiting and working with the nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, CT.

He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan both spending time with them and cheering on the sidelines during their sporting events.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; children, Tami Henneman of Gaithersburg, MD, Michele (Clay) Johnson of Dripping Springs, TX, and Brian Denny (Rick Stark) of Island Lake, IL; grandchildren, John Henneman, Bobby Johnson, and Matthew Johnson; his only brother, Thomas (Paula) Denny of Springfield, IL; seven special nieces and nephews and three grandnieces.

Bob was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Cecilia Denny, and grandnephew, John Denny.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 15, from 4 pm until 8 pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Mass will be on Friday, September 16, at 10 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake followed by the burial at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.  All are invited afterward to celebrate Bob’s life at the Main Beach.

The family wishes to thank caregiver Rachel Martinez who provided loving care during Bob’s health challenges. Also, special thanks to the JourneyCare home hospice team who compassionately cared for Bob over the past few months, and thanks to the in-patient caregivers at JourneyCare in Barrington who supported both Bob and his family during the last days of his life.

Memorial donations can be made in Bob’s name to St. Thomas Catholic Church , Bethany Lutheran Church , Crystal Lake Food Pantry , or if you know someone going through hard times, make a direct donation in honor of Bob.