Dennis Applebee

Dennis L. Applebee Sr., 64, of Marseilles passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Funeral Ceremony will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. Augustin Kassa officiating. Visitation will be 9:00 to 11:00 am, two hours prior to services, Saturday at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Seneca, Illinois. Dennis was born July 16, 1951 in Seneca, Illinois to Lawrence and Dorothy (Ingle) Applebee. He was a 1969 graduate of Seneca High School, received his Associates Degree from IVCC in criminal justice, and received his Bachelors Degree in criminal justice from Metropolitan State College in Denver. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a medical corpsman from 1969 - 1976. He worked as the Chief of Police in Tonica, Paw Paw, and Lostant from 1977-1983. He received the Medal of Valor while in the line of duty from governor James R. Thompson. For the last half of his career he worked for numerous car dealerships in the area. He was a 35 year member of the American Legion Post 33 as well as an Honor Guard. He was an avid collector of many things. He is survived by three children, Dennis (Kristen) Applebee of Macon, Georgia, Heather (Ray) Gerkitz of Ottawa, and Justina (Sam Ross) Applebee of Chicago; five grandchildren, Jonah Applebee, Isaac Applebee, Lauren Applebee, Kristopher Gerkitz, and Emma Gerkitz; one aunt, Mabel Pitts; and his special furry friend, China. He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Doug Applebee. Pallbearers will be Jonah and Isaac Applebee, Kris Gerkitz, Roy Valdez, Dave Ortiz, and Scott Gerkitz. Memorials may be directed to his family.