Dennis J. Enneking

Dennis Joseph Enneking, age 78 of Geneva, IL passed away at home with his loving family by his side.

Dennis was born on September 27, 1946, in Detroit, MI to Lucille (Lahr) and Lawrence Enneking. The second oldest of six children, Dennis, was a happy, outgoing child with a close Midwest family. He delivered newspapers on his bicycle, was an altar boy and loved listening to Tigers baseball on his transistor radio.

Dennis was drafted in the U.S. Armed Services and served in the United States Marine Corp from 1966-68. He fought bravely in the Hill Battles of Khe Sanh in Vietnam earning the rank of Lance Corporal. He lost many fellow Marines and carried that loss with him for the rest of his life. His attitude toward diversity was formed during his time in Vietnam. He always said, "I never saw color - just a Marine on my right, and a Marine on my left".

His fun, outgoing personality and work ethic led to his 30+ years of success working for Airborne Express/DHL. Starting as a domestic salesman, he retired as a global account manager who traveled over 1 million miles during his career - making friends everywhere he went. Known as the "King", he handled many of the top revenue customers and was loved by his co-workers and customers alike. His honesty and great sense of humor charmed people worldwide.

It was at Airborne Express that he met Leann (David) who would later become his wife, and they settled in Geneva IL in 1998. Their son Joe was born the next year.

Dennis had two passions besides his family and job: veterans and fishing. Dennis was one of the original founders and supporters of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 75 in Geneva, Il for 25 years, serving as an officer and volunteering at the weekly fish fry dinners, Swedish Days and the annual Turkey Raffle. His sales personality made him a legend at the Turkey Raffles as many people came to see him work the crowd and spin the wheel!

His other great love was fishing. He and his closest friends spent much time in Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio fishing in the Great Lakes. He traveled to Northern Ontario to fish over 25 times, and made it to the Yukon three times, the last visit being with his son Joe as a high school graduation celebration.

Dennis was preceeded in death by his mother Lucille, father Lawrence, brother Darrell and nephew, Ronald. He is survived by his wife Leann, son Joe, sisters Elaine (Bomber) Martin, Eileen (Ronald) Andrejewski, Bonnie Palmer and Deborah (Charles) Moran, and many nieces and nephews. Dennis is the reason that the term "Funkle" was coined. He piled his nieces and nephews into his car to go to movies, wrestling matches, fishing, junk food and mayhem.

Dennis was bigger than life but was also a simple man who served his country, kept his faith in God and loved his family. He never met a microphone he didn't like, nor ever left a stranger without making them a friend. Dennis already brought a little piece of heaven into the world, and he will live on in all of those that knew him.

Visitation for Dennis will be held Friday, March 14, 2025, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva, IL.

Celebration of Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL with Rev. Fr. Paul White, Celebrant.

Burial will be held Thursday, March 27 at 11:00 am at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.  A luncheon will follow at the American Legion in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) dav.org or American Legion Post 75, 22 S 2nd St, Geneva, IL 60134 https://genevapost75.org/

For more information 630-232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com.

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