Dennis Lee "Denny" Rutledge Sr.

Dennis Lee “Denny” Rutledge Sr., 60, of Peoria, Illinois lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at his home, surrounded by family. Born April 27, 1957 in Peoria to Robert and Norma (Montgomery) Rutledge. Surviving are his father, of Peoria; children, Stephanie Rutledge (JJ Romack) of Mapleton, Sheryl (Josh) Machen of Peoria, Dennis (Danielle) Rutledge Jr. of Spring Bay, and Duane and Sylvester Rutledge, both of Peoria; his grandchildren, Acacia, Jenna, Olivia, Allison, Nolan, and Mia; his sisters, March (Ken) Williamson of Mineral Wells, Texas and Karen (Chuck) Cross of Peoria; and his brother, Roger Rutledge of Peoria. He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma; his brother, Byron; first wife, Cindy Rutledge. Denny was a dedicated member and organizer of the Heat and Frost Insulators Union Local #17 for over 40 years and had worked for M&O Insulation retiring in 2014 after 35 years. He was proud to have earned 24 years of sobriety and was very active in the Peoria area AA community and his home group of Hilltop. He was committed to sponsoring, listening and sharing his experience strength and hope to help others achieve sobriety. Denny bled Cardinals red, lived to ride his Harleys, enjoyed feeding his friends and family, spending time in the woods hunting mushrooms and had a lifelong love for the Allman Brothers Band. Visitation will be 1:00-3:00 pm Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria with funeral services beginning at 3:00 pm at the funeral home. Pastor Ben Siemon will officiate. Following the funeral, a Celebration of Life will begin at 5:30 pm Saturday at the American Legion Pavilion in Bartonville. Cremation will be accorded following the services. Memorials are suggested to Hilltop AA, 115 North Western Ave, Peoria, IL 61604.