Dennis K. Cline finished his race at 9:37 pm January 1, 2022. His final laps were celebrated as he was surrounded by close family and friends. Dennis was a talented runner, musician, dedicated teacher, coach, beloved brother, father, grandfather, and most loyal friend bringing smiles to everyone who knew him. If you were given a nickname by Dennis or called "Good Kid" you were probably among one of his favorites, as he had many. His genuine love of people brought out the best in everyone he met whether you were learning history facts, running repeats or singing along with him. He enjoyed everyone he taught, coached, worked with, played music with and hung out with.

Dennis was born in Sterling, Illinois May 13, 1952., the son of Donald Wayne and Patricia Ann (Burden) Cline Aulls. He graduated from Oregon High School in Oregon, Illinois and Northern Illinois University and completed his education at Illinois State University. Dennis began his career at Sawyer Imports in Dekalb, Illinois 1976-1983 before moving on to Diamond Star in Normal, Illinois.

Dennis came to make his home in Assumption in 1992 to teach and coach at  Central A&M retiring in 2012 after a successful career with many trips to state in middle school track and high school cross country. Dennis sparked an enthusiasm for running, competing, and sense of pride in the track and field community.

Dennis leaves a lot of love for his son, Kevin Cline and his wife Adrianna; grandchildren, Alice and Shawn Cline all of Normal, Illinois; sister, Debbie Cline of Rock Falls, Illinois; brother, Donnie Cline and his wife Elizabeth of Janesville, Wisconsin; former wife Sherry Pettigrew of Bloomington, Illinois; former wife Pat Powers of Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. His family in Assumption came together from all over as an unlikely mixed group of friends who became close because of Dennis. That's who he was and what he did best. Too many to mention who love him beyond time.

Also surviving are a sister, Dawn Burke and husband Bob of Oregon, Illinois and brother, Dana Cline of Albany, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Cline Aulls; father, Donald Cline; stepfather, Donald Aulls; brother, David Cline, and nephew, Jacob Burke.

The roads won't be the same, missing the footsteps of the faithful runner who finished with more rewards than he could carry. He must have heard the voice of Jesus saying "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.." Matthew 11:28.

Memorials can be made to Dennis K. Cline "Good Kid" Scholarship at FNB Pana Assumption Branch 215 S. Business 51 Assumption, IL 62510. A celebration of Dennis's life will be held in March at a date to be determined at 1905 Brewing Company.