Dennis Dean Spice

Dennis Dean Spice, of Champaign passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Born in Rochester, IN on February 7, 1950, he was the son of Don and Lorene Spice.

Following High School, Dennis joined and honorably served nine years in the United States Marine Corps including a tour of duty during the Vietnam War. During his time, he ranked as a Staff Sergeant and received numerous medals and ribbons.

On October 1, 1971, Dennis married Linda K. Buehler in Quantico, VA. Their marriage of 51 years produced two amazing daughters. More recently a granddaughter was also added to their family.

Dennis continued his education after his military service and earned an associate degree from the State University Of New York in 1974, a bachelors degree from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois in 1985. An entrepreneur by nature, he was the owner/president of Institutional Advisors, Ltd and co-founder/owner at Open Prairie Ventures, an early-stage venture fund, during his career in finance. More recently he worked as a Senior Advisor and Board Member for Dinges Fire Company, a Senior Advisor at the Illinois Fire Service Institute, the Alumni Board Chairperson for the School of Continuing Education, General Studies, and a former member of the University of Illinois Community Credit Unions Board of Directors.

He was a longtime member of the Champaign Rotary Club, American Legion, United States Marine Corps League, and VFW.

In his personal life, he was a loving, caring father and grandfather, an avid hiker, and a mentor to many. He enjoyed annual family vacations to Sanibel Island, FL, visiting California wine country, and trips to Disney World with his granddaughter.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Spice; daughters, Kristie (Justin) Hayes, Danielle Spice (John Sherrer), granddaughter, McKenna Hayes and sister, Susan Green.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Lorene, and sister, Sharon Reed.

A Memorial Service for Dennis will be held at 10am on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Sunset Funeral Homes Mahomet Chapel 1102 Churchill Rd, Mahomet, IL 61853. Following the service Dennis will be laid to rest at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Dennis honor be made to Homes for Our Troops (https://www.hfotusa.org/).