Dennis was born on June 26, 1939, in Freeport, Illinois, to Clarence and Lois Morath. He graduated from Rock Falls High School in 1957, where he met his future bride. After graduation, Dennis promptly and proudly enlisted into the Army. He was stationed in the South Korea DMZ area from 1957 to 1959, working as an ASA radio operator. Dennis and Vernice were engaged during his tour of duty and were married after his service in the Army on September 12, 1959. Dennis and Vernice eventually settled in Tampico, Illinois, where they raised four children, instilling values of hard work, helping others, and the importance of a strong faith. Dennis started his career working as an electrician at RB&W in 1964, putting his Army training to good use. Dennis established Dennis Electric of Tampico in 1993, working and training many young electricians through the years, including his son-in-law and three grandsons. He worked at the job he loved, retiring at age 75. Dennis and Vernice moved to Sterling in 2018.
Dennis was a devout Christian and spent time each day reading the Bible and daily devotions.
He was an active member of the Tampico United Methodist Church for over 60 years. He and Vernice enjoyed annual trips to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in Baldwin, Louisiana, and in more recent years, to the Midwest Methodist Distribution Center (MMDC) in Chatham, Illinois, doing volunteer mission work. Dennis devoted many hours to his church as a Sunday School teacher, certified lay speaker, trustee, small group leader, liturgist, and many church projects.
Dennis and Vernice helped to lead Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved parents, for 15 years. Dennis was an avid woodworker and provided many cherished projects to family and friends over the years.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Vernice, of 66 years; their daughters, Melissa (Jack) Braggo, Rock Falls; Marcia (John) Widolff, Rock Falls; Michelle (Brad) Kelsey, Davenport, IA; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Carol (John) Stauter and Judy (Gary) Martin, both of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Phillip Morath.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm and Saturday, March 7th, 10:00 – 11:00 am at Tampico UMC. The funeral will be Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 am at Tampico UMC. Burial at the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dennis’s life.
Memorial contributions may go to: Tampico UMC
Arrangements were completed by the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico.
