Dewey R. Yaeger

Dewey R. Yaeger, 82, of Sycamore, Illinois, died on Thursday, November 17, 2022, surrounded by his family.

He was born June 12, 1940, in O'Fallon, Illinois, the son of Harold and Marcella (Reinhardt) Yaeger. He married Kathleen Carncross in 1972, and she preceded him in death on January 21, 2018.  Dewey was a member of the First United Methodist Church of DeKalb.

Dewey was raised in O'Fallon, Illinois, and graduated from O'Fallon Township High School.  He went on to attend Illinois State University, graduating in 1962.  His remarkable 50-year banking career began at Marine Bank of Springfield, where he was taught the values of "community banking" – values he carried with him throughout his career.

The last half of his career was in a CEO role, and he was very proud to have helped multiple banks improve their performance during his tenure.  In addition, he was particularly honored to have served on the Kishwaukee Health System Board of Directors and chaired the board that made the strategic decision to build a new hospital facility in DeKalb, Illinois.

First and foremost, Dewey valued relationships. He was most proud of his family, as well as the many lasting friendships he built over the years.  As an Illinois State University alum, he was honored that two generations of Redbird legacies followed in his footsteps.

Everyone that knew Dewey was aware of his love for the St. Louis Cardinals!  As a lifelong fan,  one of his greatest joys over the years was watching them play.

Survived by daughter, Catherine (Kevin) Canham of Springfield; daughter, Kimberly (Daniel) Heinisch of Sycamore; grandchildren, Melody, Emily, and Cassidy Canham, and Morgan, Cole, and Addison Heinisch; brother, Richard (Doreen) Yaeger of Palm Desert, California; sister-in-law, Ruth Yaeger of Jefferson City, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his wife; Kathleen, parents, son; John M. Yaeger, grandson; Andrew "Drew" Heinisch, brother; William "Bill" Yaeger, and sister; Audrey Pugh.

The funeral service will be held Monday, November 21, 2022, at 10:30am at the First United Methodist Church, 321 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL, with the Rev. Jonathan Crail officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in DeKalb. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church of DeKalb.

Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.