Dennis C. Shaner

Dennis C. Shaner, 87, of rural Neponset, died Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at his home.

He was born August 1, 1938 at Kewanee Public Hospital, the son Randall and Velma (Berry) Shaner. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Illinois, and a short time on a California farm.

After two years in the Peace Corps, he married Bernadette Pieza on January 2, 1965 in Sousse, Tunisia. On their first date in 1963, he told Bernadette, “I’m going to marry you some day.”

Dennis graduated from Buda High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army serving in Verona, Italy and Norfolk, VA. He volunteered with the Peace Corps from 1963-65, teaching diesel mechanics in Tunisia, Africa. He graduated from Bradley University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and French with a minor in economics. After graduation, an opportunity arose which allowed him to return to farming. Dennis loved being a farmer and “being my own boss”.

A priority in Dennis’ life was sharing a love of adventure, traveling from coast to coast every summer with his family, exploring. He always said, “you never remember the year you bought the new couch.”

He traveled to France with Bernadette every September for 21 years, biking through different regions and boating down the canals, embracing the French lifestyle. They spent Januarys in Jackson Hole, WY, for seven years enjoying the snow and moose sightings.

Papa always said, “family is all that matters”. He made sure to tell his family he loved them. He was honest and down-to-earth. He was an avid reader, an excellent storyteller and was known to leave the fields early so he wouldn’t be late for tennis.

Much to the chagrin of his children, Papa always said “life’s not fair”.  It’s not fair that he’s gone but he left on his terms, with dignity, in his home and without fanfare.

Survivors include his wife Bernadette of Neponset, three children; Kathleen Hyzy of Traverse City, MI, Kristine (Steven) Dreesen of Stillman Valley, IL and Aaron (Heather) Shaner of Traverse City, MI, two sisters, Suzanne Quinn and Virginia Fugino; six grandchildren: Huck, Olivia, Tom, Jake and Joe and Eva and three great grandchildren: Ivy, Bennett and Rose. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elizabeth.

Dennis’ wish was to have a celebration of life party in 2026. Memorials may be directed to the Kewanee Food Pantry. Rux Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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