Dennis Pickett Sr.

Dennis Pickett Sr, 82, of DeKalb passed away on December 20, 2022, surrounded by his family at home. He was born on July 16, 1940, to Phil and Anna Pickett in Chicago.

He grew up in Chicago where he played little league baseball at Thillens Stadium throughout grade school. He then continued to play ball and pitch at Taft High School where he pitched 3 consecutive no-hitters, a record that remains to this day. The team went on to win 2 Chicago City Championships in 1957 and 1958. These accomplishments lead to Denny being inducted into the Taft High School Hall of Fame in 2017. He also played baseball at Carroll College in WI. He continued his education at NIU where he earned both his bachelor and master's degrees in education.

Denny went on to teach math and biology at Burlington Central High School from 1964-1970, where he also coached baseball. He then taught at DeKalb High School for 24 years, where he also was a successful baseball and golf coach. His golf team made several individual and team appearances at the IHSA State Tournament. He was awarded Illinois State Coach of the year in 1981.

After retirement Denny enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Anna Maria Island Florida and Crystal Lake Wisconsin. He continued to enjoy playing golf, fishing, and cooking.

He is survived by his wife Karen. They married on June 16, 1962, after dating since high school. Also survived by two children Denny (Diane) Pickett Jr., and Pam (Paul) Rosentreter, and 3 granddaughters Jamie, Nicole, and Halle. He is also survived by his brother Philp (Eva) Pickett.

Memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 2:30pm-4:30pm at Finch Funeral Home followed by a celebration of life service at 4:30pm at the funeral home with Pastor Janet Hunt officiating. In lieu of flowers Memorials could be made to Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra (KSO) or Dekalb County Community Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.