Dennis "Denny" Kent Springer

Dennis (“Denny”) Kent Springer died peacefully in his home on Thursday, September 4, 2025. In lieu of a funeral service and public viewing, a celebration of Denny’s life will be held at The Event Center of Montgomery Country (https://www.theeventcenterofmc.com/) in Hillsboro, Illinois from 6pm - 9pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Music, food, and memories will be shared.

Denny was born on April 11, 1952 in Hillsboro, Illinois, the second son of Carl Springer and Madeline Springer (Parola).

A lifelong Hillsboro native, Denny graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1970, and subsequently went to work for Central Illinois Power Service (CIPS, later Ameren) for 32 years. He valued perspective, road trips, music, Italian food, spending time with his family, and helping others. Denny was passionate about his beliefs, and was always there to lend a helping hand to friends or strangers alike. His compassionate actions continued to show until his last days.

As an athlete, he demonstrated his love of sports through his enthusiasm, hustle, and positive attitude. Denny could often be found playing in a fast-pitch softball tournament, a pick-up basketball game at the local school gym, signing up for a racquetball tournament, or coaching his kids and their friends through local team sports. He also developed a lifetime love of long distance running, cycling, and weight training.

Denny loved his family, and it showed. Deeply in love with his wife, he spent much of his time taking long road trips with her, attending their kids’ musical performances and sporting events, and enjoying every moment he had with his grandchildren. As he did with other loved ones in his family, Denny gave up much of his own time to help Donna in times of need. Helping others truly made Denny happy.

It was evident that Denny had an affinity for animals, especially Bassett Hounds and Great Danes, as–throughout their lives–they had three of the former and four of the latter, with 10-year-old Cagoon staying by his side until the very end. Denny and Donna were often seen walking Cagoon (and, previously, the other dogs) around town, often stopping at Dairy Queen or McDonald’s to buy them ice cream cones. Denny was also an avid University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball fan and an undeniable, avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan. ILL-INI! Go Cubs Go!

Denny’s wife Donna Springer (Betoche) preceded him in death, passing away in 2020. They are survived by their two sons: Job Springer–and his wife Lali Acuna with children Matilda and Bruno–of Los Angeles, California and Jacob Springer–and his wife Jessi Springer (Newingham)--of Litchfield, Illinois. Denny is also survived by his older brother Greg Springer and Greg’s wife Junice Springer, along with their children (Geoff, Gabe, and Allison), their respective grandchildren and extended families.

A proper eulogy for Denny Springer could not complete without ending with lyrics from one of his favorite bands. Bob Dylan, CCR, Neil Young, and Grateful Dead records played on repeat

at the house when Donna was not playing piano. And, those friends that went to concerts with him were buddies for life.

“Once in a while you’re shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right.” - Grateful Dead

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those that wish to donate may consider one of the following organizations that were important to Denny:

Continuing Recovery Center (CRC)

202 Central St.

Irving IL 62051

(217) 533-4441

Montgomery County Cancer Association

106 Pinnacle Point Dr.

Hillsboro, IL 62049

(217) 259-5914 mcca.donate4cancer@gmail.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis "Denny" Kent Springer, please visit our floral store.