11/16/2025
It is with great sadness to share that Dennis Grobe (an INHAA board member since 1985 until the time of passing) has passed away November 13, 2025, following a short and sudden illness. Dennis was born May 22, 1949, in Dixon, to the late Forrest L. and Arlene (Wechsler) Grobe. He was a 1968 graduate of Dixon High School and went on to earn his B.S. of Sociology from Illinois State University in 1973. On August 6, 1977, Dennis was united in marriage to his wife of 48 years, MaryJo Riser. Dennis devoted his life’s work to the care of all ages when they were unable to care for themselves. He started his career working in various administrative capacities in Decatur, S. Beloit, Polo, Sterling, and Rock Falls areas. In 1991, Dennis and MaryJo moved to Walnut, where he served as administrator at Walnut Manor until his retirement in 2019. It was during this time Dennis’s passion for his career embraced his philosophy to provide an environment of dignity, care, and love. It was not uncommon to find Dennis staying past normal working hours to arrange for the care of their loved ones, and to make each resident feel welcome in their “new home.”
After retirement, his love for helping others led him to be an active substitute teacher in the Ohio and Bureau Valley school districts. During his working years, Dennis served in various roles for the Village of Walnut as Village Board Trustee and President from April 2005-April 2021. He was involved with the Dixon and Walnut Rotary Clubs from 1976, and on May 8, 2013, was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 2014, he was chosen as Walnut Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. He was a member of the Dixon Elks Lodge #779 for over 36 years. He was a member of the Walnut United Methodist Church where he served as President of the administrative board since joining the church in 1991. Dennis was a member of the IL Heath Care Association where he served on the board from 1994-2000. He was also a member of the IL Nursing Home Administrator’s Association from 1985 to the time of passing, where he was an active Board Member. Survivors include his wife, MaryJo (Riser) Grobe; two sons, Jacob (Jackie), and Matthew (Danielle); four grandchildren, Katelyn, Kimberlee, Allison, and Eleanor, all of Walnut; brothers, David (Naomi), George (Sandy), and Harry Grobe; brother-in-law, Harvey “Bud” (Sue) Riser; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Garland Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Walnut United Methodist Church, with Reverend David Poust officiating. Burial will conclude at Walnut Cemetery. Our hearts go out to Dennis’ family and friends. He will surely be missed by everyone on the INHAA board of directors.
