Dennis Milton Bathke

Dr. Dennis Milton Bathke, 78, of Chicago, Illinois passed away on August 15, 2026 at his beloved family farmhouse in Berlin, Wisconsin.

Dennis was born on September 24, 1947, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Milton and Dorthy Bathke. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1965 and earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1969, working summers to pay for his education. Dennis continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, graduating in 1973. He then completed his internship in internal medicine at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in 1974 and his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System in 1977, a program renowned for its excellence in the field.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Dickinson) Bathke; his son, John Thomas Dickinson Bathke; his daughter, Lynn Ellen Bathke and her husband, Cary Gallagher; his granddaughter, Iris Day Gallagher; and his sister, Donna M. Klabunde. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Dorthy Bathke.

A dedicated and skilled physician, Dennis placed the well-being of his patients and colleagues above all else. Notably, Dennis served the Peoria, Illinois medical community for 25 years working for The Associated Annesthesiologies. He was also a gifted teacher. Dennis not only served as junior faculty at Northwestern University Hospital but also as adjunct faculty at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria.

Dennis was a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Illinois State Medical Society. He was also a member of the University Club of Chicago and the Middleton Society of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dennis was also a patron of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago History Museum.

Outside of medicine, Dennis loved the water and especially enjoyed sailing. He and Rebecca shared a love of travel and made annual trips to New York City to visit museums and attend Broadway shows.

In retirement, Dennis devoted himself to woodworking and designing and creating furniture. In recent years, he took great joy and pride in restoring his family farm in Wisconsin. With the help of local artisans, Dennis and Rebecca spent five years renovating the farmhouse and grounds into a beautiful country retreat, where he enjoyed his final days.

Charitable contributions in his name can be made to The Salvation Army and The Nature Conservancy.