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Dennis M.
Goldsberry
Jul 14, 1946 — Apr 12, 2025
Dennis M. Goldsberry, affectionately known to many as Joe, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, in Urbana, IL, at the age of 78. Born on July 14, 1946, in Watseka, IL, Dennis was a man whose presence was synonymous with kindness, friendliness, and generosity. His life was a testament to the love he had for his family, friends, and community.
Dennis proudly served his country in the US Army, a period of his life that instilled in him a sense of duty and honor which he carried throughout his days. After his military service, he found joy and fulfillment in the simple pleasures of life. Dennis had a passion for lawn mowing and could often be seen on a mower wearing his signature bib overalls. His love for tinkering with mowers was matched only by his love for fishing and watching his favorite westerns. He was a friend to many and a stranger to none, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand.
Family was the cornerstone of Dennis's life. Though his marriage to Shirley Goldsberry (Dale Richardson) ended in divorce, they shared the joy of raising their daughters, Bobbi Jo Goldsberry Basham and Jennifer Goldsberry Stevens. Bobbi Jo Basham, married to Brian, blessed Dennis with grandchildren Kabel Hamende, son of Josh Hamende, Caseon Basham, and Kellen Basham sons to Brian Basham. Jennifer, (partner to Rob Roberts), have children Destiny Hall with husband Clayton, Riley Stevens with Jessy Mailloux, and Avery Stevens, all with Eric Stevens and all of whom Dennis cherished deeply.
Dennis found love again and married Elizabeth Norris Goldsberry, who preceded him in death. Though no children were born to their union, Dennis embraced Elizabeth's children, Irene Lopez, Earl Norris Jr, Paul Norris, Dale Norris, and Kathy Hartman, married to Bruce, as his own. His extended family grew to include many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved with all his heart.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard (Jane) and Mildred (Ray) Goldsberry, his beloved daughter Bobbi Jo Basham, his brother Delbert "Butch" Goldsberry, and his sisters Linda "Annie" Holt and Dorothy Goldsberry. He leaves behind his siblings, Monafae Gordon, married to JD, who along with the rest of the family, will miss him dearly.
In the spirit of Dennis's life, his family invites friends and loved ones to a gathering to honor and celebrate the man who was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Dennis' life was a journey of love, laughter, and service, and his memory will be cherished forever.
A final salute to Dennis "Joe" Goldsberry, a graveside service will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 at Prairie Dell Cemetery 2150 E North Road, Watseka, Il. The family welcomes all to a luncheon following the service at the Iroquois Community Center 204 Church Ave, Iroquois, Il.
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