Remembering Dennis “Denny” Lohnes
Founder, Past Trustee Chairman, and Champion of Community Philanthropy
The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation honors the life and legacy of Dennis “Denny” Lohnes, one of our founders and the first chairman of our Board of Trustees.
Denny was instrumental in the creation of what was then the Macon County Community Foundation. From the earliest days, he was a driving force—bringing clarity, determination, and a deep belief in the power of a permanent philanthropic institution to serve future generations.
Lucy Murphy, the Foundation’s first CEO, recalled: “Denny knew from the time he heard about community foundations that we should have one. And every monthly meeting and then weekly he planned the steps we should take. Unforgettable.”
Doug Schmalz, a fellow co-founder and past trustee, shared: “Having worked with him in forming the Macon County Community Foundation, I remember how passionate he was about this project. Through the creation of the Foundation, Dennis has left a legacy which will positively impact thousands of Macon County citizens that transcends his lifetime.”
Denny established the first fund at the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation—an extraordinary act of leadership and trust that helped launch what has since grown into a $63-million institution serving Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt Counties.
Memorials in Denny’s honor may be made to the Dennis Lohnes Millikin Fund at the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation.
We are forever grateful for Denny Lohnes’ vision and commitment. His legacy lives on in every grant awarded, every life touched, and every future made stronger through the Foundation he helped create.
