Denny Ray Ferguson, 69, Mt. Morris went to his heavenly home on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at KSB Hospital, Dixon.

He was born Nov. 2, 1943 in Oregon, the son of John E. and Mildred G. (Blake) Ferguson.

He was a 1961 graduate of Oregon High School and attended the University of Wisconsin, Platteville, and Northern Illinois University, DeKalb.

He married to Susan B. Bowers on July 18, 1968 at the First Baptist Church of Oregon.

He moved from Oregon to Mt. Morris in 1972 where he coached girls’ softball for 13 years.

Denny was employed at Kable Printing Company, Mt. Morris, and then Helsley Supply Company for more than 20 years, retiring in 2005.

In retirement, Denny pursued his lifelong dream of writing mystery novels, publishing six books.

He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears, and Blackhawks.

Denny was a member of the Mt. Morris Moose Lodge and vice president of the Mt. Morris Library Foundation Board.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, Mt. Morris; daughter, Cathy (Ronelle Allen) Ferguson, Dixon; son, Chad (Cathy Jo) Ferguson, Davis; grandchildren: Addison and Brynlee Ferguson, Blake Ferguson-Allen, and Brailey and Kaiya Tarbert; brother, Donald A. (Katherine) Ferguson; half-sister, Joan (Robert) Croffoot; sisters-in-law, Vernie (Larry) Overby and Dorothy A. Bowers; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; grandparents, Errett and Bessie Blake and William and Nora Ferguson; and three nephews.

Funeral services were held Jan. 22 at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon, with Rev. Gregory Carlson of Sunlight Community Church, Rockford, officiating. Burial was in Daysville Cemetery, Oregon.

Memorials may be made to the Mt. Morris Public Library in Denny’s name.

Visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave online condolences.