Dennis C. Kmiec, 76, of Oak Park, died suddenly on July 23, 2024. He earned his Master of Management degree from Northwestern University and his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois. A graduate of Bowen High School, Class of ’66, in the early ’70s, he served in the Peace Corps in Malaysia and worked as an advisor in the Center for New Students at Harper College for many years. More recently he was a docent at Brookfield Zoo and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio.
A true renaissance man, he was a passionate reader, cinephile, sommelier, prolific puzzler, bread baker, Chicago sports fan, yoga enthusiast, cyclist and rollerblader. He was a lifelong learner, jazz enthusiast, podcast aficionado, supportive father and grandfather, and loyal friend. He was always up for an adventure.
Dennis was the husband of Roberta Kmiec (née Egidi). They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December.
He was the son of the late Charles A. Kmiec and the late Irene A. Kmiec (née Zolad); brother of the late Kathleen Carr (Charles Carr); father of Amelia Kmiec (Thomas House) and Jeffrey Kmiec (Rebecca Kmiec-Price); and grandfather of James and Daniel House; uncle of Ret. Lt. Col. Michael Carr (Ret. Lt. Col. Noelle Briand) and Jeremy Carr (Michael Quimby), Dr. Jason Brock (Karen Brock) and Dr. Justin Brock (Dr. Renee Brock), and Lori McLamb (Michael McLamb) and the late Matthew Myers (Dr. Jacqueline Bussie); and the brother-in-law of the late Gloria Myers (Clarence Myers), and Carla Brock (Dr. Larry Brock).
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions made in Dennis’ name to Brookfield Zoo: www.brookfieldzoo.org/Donate
Arrangements were handled by the Cremation Society of Illinois.