Dennis James Lappin (a.k.a. Den, Denny, Uncle Den) passed on May 2, 2023. He was born October 7, 1950, son to Leverett and Maxine (Yerke) Lappin, in Woodstock, IL. Dennis graduated from Marengo Community High School and married his sweetheart, Karen Kanaly. He was an Avid Harley Rider, Hot Rod Mechanic, Fisherman, and even bigger fish story teller. He loved being the loud one at the party, and everything was always a little livelier when he was in the room. He absolutely loved going to garage sales and swap meets to make a deal, but more to socialize, tell big tales and just be around people. He hardly had anyone dislike him. Almost all loved him and would tell stories of him as well. His laughter made you smile, if he could help you he would give you everything.

His travels led him from Singapore to Sturgis. He was very proud of his service in the Army National Guard. He was a Captain in the Marengo Rescue Squad. He was Santa Claus in his company's family Christmas parties where he was a supervisor and an engineer for all the many years he worked at Warner Electric in Marengo. He ended his working career at GE Aviation where he was a manufacturing engineer, also leaving a lasting impression on all that he worked with, moving onto his next stages of life in retirement. He loved walking his furry pals Chance and Mork. He loved fishing with his family on the pontoon and out on the ice of Candlewick Lake. He loved his two sons, their wives, and their children. He would often brag about all their accomplishments any chance he could. He loved all of his nieces and nephews like they were his own.

Denny is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Jamie Lappin, his wife, Kat and grandson, Christian and granddaughter, McKenna; and son, Shawn Lappin, his wife, Breane and granddaughter, Keeley, grandson, Tristian and granddaughter, Amelia. He was preceded by grandparents, Harold and Meta Yerke; parents, Leverett and Maxine Lappin; and siblings, Larry Lappin, Rich Lappin, Bill Lappin, and Mary Lappin-Rodarte.

Denny's visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. His funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, May 12, 2023, at the funeral home. Pastor Charles Waggoner will officiate. Military honors to follow outside in the pavilion. Cremation rites have been accorded. Please share a memory or a condolence at www.andersonfcs.com .