Dennis D. Iliff

Dennis D. "Bud" Iliff passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Born on December 7, 1937, Dennis, known to most simply as Bud, lived a life defined by hard work, strong values, a gift for conversation, and a deep devotion to those he loved.Dennis spent his career as a skilled sheet metal worker and proud member of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 73 in Chicago. To Dennis, the union was far more than a profession. It was a brotherhood that provided lifelong friendships, endless stories, and a sense of purpose and pride that stayed with him throughout his life. Dennis's dedication to veterans was a meaningful part of his life. He spent countless hours volunteering and supporting fellow veterans, forming bonds through shared experiences and giving back to a community he cared about deeply. A natural talker who never met a stranger, Dennis could strike up a conversation anywhere, with anyone, about just about anything. He always had a story to tell, and if you stopped to listen, you were likely to hear a few more. Whether he was catching up with old friends, sharing a laugh with his union brothers, or swapping tales with someone he had met only moments earlier, Dennis had a way of making people feel like they had known him for years. His family often joked that Dennis never met a stranger, and if he did, they usually weren't strangers for long.Dennis enjoyed life's simple pleasures: time with family, good friends, a hearty laugh, and the chance to tell "just one more story." He left behind countless memories, plenty of smiles, and perhaps a few stories that grew just a little better with each retelling.Above all else, Dennis was a devoted family man. He shared a loving life with his wife, Myrtle, and together they built a family that was the pride and joy of his life. Nothing meant more to him than the people he loved, and he took great pride in watching his family grow through the generations.Dennis is survived by his beloved wife, Myrtle Iliff; his loving children, Kelly Walsh (the late Marty), Patricia (James) Fela, and Brian (Lucy) Iliff; his cherished grandchildren; and eight treasured great-grandchildren.

Dear brother to Judy (Ed), the late Marion, the late Jeanine, and the late James. Fond uncle and great uncle to many, along with many friends, neighbors, and union brothers who will miss him dearly.He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Kevin Iliff, and his son-in-law, Marty Walsh.

Dennis's legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the friendships he built, the work he took pride in, and the family he loved so deeply. While his voice may be quiet now, those who knew him can still hear it in every good story told around a kitchen table. In honor of Dennis, take a few extra minutes to share a story, make a new friend, or enjoy a good laugh. He certainly would have.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL