Dennis J. Odom

Dennis J. Odom, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Bolingbrook, IL. He was born on April 10, 1947, in Aberdeen, SD, and as the son of a Methodist minister, Dennis spent much of his childhood moving throughout Illinois and surrounding areas. When he was five, his family moved to Tinley Park, where he met the love of his life, Adele. The couple married in 1969 and briefly lived in Cheyenne, WY before making their home in Vernon Hills, IL where they raised their family together. Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, stationed in Alaska where he serviced and maintained fire trucks during his military service. A gifted and passionate artist, Dennis devoted 32 years of his career to the Chicago Tribune as an art director/designer before retiring in 2008. He took tremendous pride in creating artwork celebrating Chicago sports legends, including paintings of Walter Payton and Michael Jordan. In later years, he especially enjoyed painting landscapes and Native American Southwestern-style artwork, which he also avidly collected. Dennis had an appreciation for nature and wildlife, particularly bird watching. He also delighted in life’s simple pleasures and was a true connoisseur of baked goods, pastries, donuts, and coffee cakes, which he enjoyed until the very end. He was also an enthusiastic Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider and a proud member of the Harley Northern Illinois chapter. He is survived by his loving children, Kelly Odom and Matthew (Melissa) Odom; his cherished grandchildren, Chase and Charlotte; and his brother-in-law, Stanley (Cynthia) Zobac. Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Adele, in 2013, and by his brother, David (Jennifer) Odom. Interment will take place at Willow Lawn Memorial Park at a later date, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to causes Dennis supported, including Native American communities (via First Nations Development Institute) and the arts (via YoungArts). For information, please call 847-362-3009 or visit burnettdane.com to share a memory.

Dennis J. Odom

April 10, 1947 - May 9, 2026