Timothy Roy Dees, 81, of Litchfield, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. Fr. Daniel Willenborg will preside. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, with military honors performed graveside. A luncheon will follow the committal service at Holy Family Parish Center.
Mr. Dees was born in Granite City, on Oct. 31, 1944, a son of Roy William and Elizabeth Agnes “Betty” (Lakatos) Dees. A graduate of Litchfield High School, he went on to obtain a bachelor of science degree with a math major and government minor from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1966 and a master’s degree in educational administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1973.
He was employed by the Litchfield Community Unit School District from 1967-1968 and again in 1971-1996 as a math instructor for seventh through 12th grades. Additionally, he served on various school committees and coached track, was assistant football coach and was the intramural director.
Mr. Dees was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War for four years. He was a highly decorated veteran, receiving the Purple Heart and Silver Star among several other medals.
Prior to shipping out to Vietnam, he married the former Rochelle Diane Tietze on Oct. 26, 1968, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Staunton and they enjoyed nearly fifty-eight years of marriage.
In addition to his military service and teaching career, Mr. Dees was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where he was served on the Knights of Columbus Council #699, being a past Grand Knight, the Liturgy Commission and the Stephan Ministry. Being active in the community, he volunteered at the Shoal Creek Nature Preserve, enjoyed playing both golf and tennis, and was actively involved in getting tennis courts built in Litchfield.
Mr. Dees is survived by his wife, Rochelle Dees of Litchfield; a son, Jon (Jennie) Dees of Pickerington, OH; a daughter, Kristin (Greg) Starkey of Spring Hills, TN; brothers, Francis “Frank” Dees of Altamont, NY, William (Meg) Dees of Hannibal, MO, and Denis (Susyn) Dees of Essex, VT; grandchildren, Jordan Dees and Camryn Dees, both of Columbus, OH, Laine Starkey of Nashville, TN, Eliana Starkey of Memphis, TN, Ainsley Starkey and Colton Starkey, both of Knoxville, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Betty Dees; and two brothers, Rick Dees and Charles “Chuck” Dees.
Memorials may be directed to Knights of Columbus Council #699 or to the Litchfield Veterans Memorial Garden.
Plummer Funeral Home is serving the Dees family. To leave an online condolence or to order flowers, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
