Memorials may be directed to Sidney Rescue or the United Faith Church for the Monday Morning Ministries.

Dennis Edward Reilly was born on June 11, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of Vincent E. "Pat" and Lillian G. (Germes) Reilly. Dennis entered into eternal peace on February 19, 2024, at his home in Sidney, Iowa at the age of 81 years.

Dennis' early years were spent in Wilmington. His parents were founders of Indian Village Day Camp where Dennis worked as a counselor and associate for many summers. As a teenager he would umpire minor league baseball games, which later led to the opportunity to umpire a few major league baseball games while the umpires were on strike. It was also during his high school career when his mother turned on American Bandstand and saw her son dancing on stage instead of being in school. Needless to say, once he got home, his days of skipping school were cut short. He graduated from Alexis I. du Pont High School with the Class of 1960. Dennis had a life centered around the advancement of his education. He attended Susquehanna University of Pennsylvania in 1961 and transferred to Tarkio College from 1962-1965, where he received his first undergraduate degree. He then attended Cheyney University of Pennsylvania from 1965-1968 where he received his first master's degree and attended Lincoln University where he obtained a second master's degree. He was just two classes short of obtaining his Ph.D. in Marine Biology.

During his working career he was employed as a teacher for Alfred I. du Pont Schools, worked for Delaware Wild Lands Inc., was principal at Sidney Elementary School, worked in the finance industry, and owned and operated Reilly Insurance and Investments until his retirement.

While living in Delaware, he became active in the Talleyville Jaycees. His leadership skills were quickly recognized as he moved through various offices in the local chapter. As membership chairman, he led the chapter to be the largest in the state with over 100 members. Following his time with the Talleyville Chapter, he was elected to various offices in the State Jaycee organization. His efforts and dedication were recognized when he was awarded a JCI Senatorship, which is the highest award the organization gives.

Upon moving to Iowa, Dennis became active in many organizations. He was a member of the Nishnabotany Masonic Lodge #153, enjoyed volunteering at the Sidney Iowa Rodeo, served on the board for Corner Counties Early Childhood Area, Sidney Rescue Squad, Grape Community Hospital Foundation and Grape Community Hospital Board. He organized the first Grape Community Hospital Foundation Golf Outing. He was the youth leader for the Sidney United Methodist Church for over 15 years and was a member of the Sidney United Methodist Church, which is currently the United Faith Church and Community Center. He had a heart for spreading the gospel to those who were incarcerated via his work with prison ministries. Dennis had a passion for helping the youth in southwest Iowa. Whether it was sharing his love for hunting, offering his words of wisdom, or just being an ear to listen to, Dennis was always available when called upon. Other hobbies of his included attending UNO Hockey games, rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes during football season, watching the Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers and Phillies, attending antique car and gun shows, spending time with his family, attending events of the grandchildren and catching up with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Linda; sons Shane Reilly and wife Jennifer of Omaha and Michael Reilly and wife Kim of Hamburg; stepdaughter Michele Haines and husband Brian of Marion, IA; stepson David Dawson and wife Sheria of Raymore. MO; grandchildren Justine Reilly, Trevor Reilly and wife Karla, Brooke Coryell and husband Derek, Hadley Reilly, Hunter Reilly, Hazely Reilly, Connor Haines, Kaitlyn Haines, Addison Dawson and Alexander "A.J." Dawson; two great-grandchildren Donovan and Fiona Coryell; brother Jonathan Reilly of Wilmington, DE; other family and a host of great friends.