Dennis A. Mcdonnell

WASHINGTON?Dennis A. McDonnell, 61, of Washington, passed away at 1:44 p.m., Monday, January 14, 2013 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Dennis was born on July 28, 1951 in Watford, England to John and Gwen Price McDonnell. He married Mary Elizabeth "Libby" McDonnell who preceded him in death. Dennis later married Jean Tharp in Pekin on January 26, 1994. Jean survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Ashley and Seanelle McDonnell, both of Lewistown and Kirsti McDonnell of Washington; one son, Michael McDonnell of Washington; three sisters, Edith (Robin) Wilton, Sally Howard and Linda (Dave) Burton, all of England and one brother, Steve (Jan) McDonnell. He was also preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Rachael. Dennis worked for Caterpillar in building "AC" at Mossville as a design engineer. He had been working for Caterpillar in different capacities for more than 25 years. Dennis loved spending time with his family, especially enjoying the camping trips while the kids were in Scouts and the family trips back to England. His Father was Irish and his Mother was from Wales, Dennis was extremely proud of his Gaelic heritage. In his spare time he enjoyed computer programming, antique cars and at times panning for gold in Colorado. One of his passions in life was cooking, and he had received his certification from the Cordon Blue Cooking School in France. Dennis also loved to make wine and brew beers and ales. Dennis was raised in the Church of England and after coming to Washington, became a member of the Washington Presbyterian Church. A celebration of Dennis?s life will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Washington Presbyterian Church with Rev. Rebecca Weltmann officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 to 7 at Mason-White Funeral Home with cremation rites being accorded following visition. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the McDonnell Education Fund, in care of Heartland Bank & Trust.