Dennis Kent Beard

Dennis Beard, 91, of Evanston, Illinois died peacefully on August 13, 2023 following a brief illness.

Dennis was a truly beloved, easygoing man of boundless energy and great curiosity, a talented writer, avid cyclist, voracious reader, captivating storyteller, prolific photographer, nature enthusiast, family man, and valued friend to many. No words can capture all the joy this wonderful man brought to his family. His non-judgmental and unselfish nature made him a loving husband, father, and grandpa who always seemed to know the right things to say. He enjoyed the people in his life and punctuated our lives with love, humor, wisdom, and compassion. We miss him with all our hearts yet are better for having had him with us for so long.

He held a great appreciation for and was a supporter of the arts in many forms. Printing was his life’s work which was an outlet for his creativity while providing the satisfaction that comes with working with one’s hands. Over the years he worked in various roles as a printer at Pioneer Press and Lake County Press. In retirement he traveled well with Martha, walked and cycled for hundreds of miles, and continued to write while also encouraging other writers as a respected leader in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a Northwestern University community of adult learners.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Martha (Wetzel); his beloved daughters, Carla (Paul) Marks and Lory (Otto) Reinisch; his brother, James (Hanne) Beard; cherished grandchildren Daniel Reinisch and his fiancé’, Mary; Andrew (Anna) Marks, Michael (Emily) Reinisch, and great granddaughters Briella and Olivia. Also, stepchildren, Ellen Trueblood, Margaret Trueblood, and Jim (Diane) Trueblood. Dennis also was “Pop Pop” to Josie Trueblood, Chelsea Benson, Taylor (Kimberly) Trueblood, Victoria (Joseph) Kuchenbrod, and great grandchildren Nolan, Brynlee, Colson, Peyton, Avery, and Joseph.

He was predeceased by father Burtus Donnan Beard, mother Marion Edris Beard nee Ward, brother Richard Donnan Beard, and step son, Eric Trueblood.

Close friends and family gathered to remember Dennis with stories, laughter, tears, favorite scriptures, and a celebration of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Park Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/chicago-cremation for the Beard family.