‘Large than life,’ O’Fallon’s Dennis Grimmer honored for his lasting legacy in community

Dennis Grimmer, one of O’Fallon’s finest citizens known for his life’s work in education and tireless community efforts until his death in March 2021, has been honored by the city with a lasting tribute.

A memorial plaque now hangs at the O’Fallon Public Library, for he played an important role in its development during the 25 years he served on the board of trustees, the last five as president.

The plaque states “In Memory and Appreciation,” and includes the following text: “He was a champion of literacy, a faithful steward of library resources and someone who brought warmth and joy wherever he went.”

The plaque also states: “He is deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege to know and work with him,” and cites his other community involvement.

The artwork was unveiled at the Dec. 6 council meeting, with his family and library trustees on hand for the tribute, and then the plaque was installed in January.

Mayor Herb Roach cited Grimmer’s contributions to improving the city’s quality of life, and expressed appreciation. He spent just over 20 years as an educator and coach, and another 10 years as principal — at O’Fallon Township High School.

“His time, effort, and actions were done purely for the love of our community and others. He left lasting impressions on those he came in contact with,” Roach said.

“Students were an extension of his family. If you stood by him when students came into school, you would be amazed as he would call out to each of them by name. If your child was in a sport, play, or any activity at the school, you would always see him at the event. Students were not only numbers to him,” he said.

Grimmer’s desire to give back and help others can be seen in his his work on the Planning Commission, on the park board, the city council and the library board, Roach said.

Roach said he was fortunate to call Grimmer a friend.

“He has helped establish a legacy of giving back to our community and others that is an example for all of us. He is an excellent example of why O’Fallon is the city it is,” he said.

He also thanked Grimmer’s family for supporting him in his efforts to serve the community.

Doug Distler, who serves on the library board, said Grimmer had a special place in his heart for the library.

“He always demonstrated his passion for providing outstanding library services for the community. He oversaw the expansion and most recent remodeling of the library, and his leadership helped make the library the outstanding workplace it is today,” Distler said.

“Dennis’s 34 years as teacher, coach and principal, along with his passion for helping kids and his lifelong love for learning, made him an excellent library trustee, educator and citizen,” he said.

Library Director Ryan Johnson said the idea for the plaque came about after he and the mayor spoke after Grimmer’s death, and the plan was set in motion by the trustees.

“We had an informal conversation. From there, Doug Distler, a library board member and Dennis’ longtime friend, came up with the initial wording,” he said. “The whole board reviewed it and approved the project to move forward.”

Mentor and role model

Johnson said the plaque was funded through the Friends of the Library group. Some COVID-19-related supply chain delays resulted in the plaque not being presented until December and installed in January.

“Dennis was a great mentor and role model. He was always the calm adult in the room. It is my hope that his legacy serves as an example to future leaders and those looking to make a real, meaningful impact in their communities,” Johnson said.

As an educator, Grimmer made his mark on students, parents, teachers and colleagues at OTHS and later, at St. Teresa Catholic School in Belleville.

After his death at age 71 at his residence in O’Fallon, he was described by colleagues as magnetic, charismatic and “larger than life in the very, very best way.”

After teaching at Berkeley High School in Ferguson, Missouri, for two years, Grimmer began teaching social studies and coaching at OTHS in 1973, and then became principal in 1994.

O’Fallon principal praises Grimmer

OTHS Principal Rich Bickel said Grimmer was a mentor to him, and they worked together when he was hired as a district teacher more than 30 years ago.

“He showed so many people the way forward and the way to be a difference maker in education and in everybody’s lives,” Bickel said in a news article after Grimmer’s passing. “He was that example. He lived that example. It was something that was impressed upon me from a very young age, just by watching him.”

More about Grimmer’s contributions

After Grimmer retired from O’Fallon, he spent 10 years as principal at St. Teresa Catholic School in Belleville, starting in 2004. He also worked as a field supervisor for McKendree University’s department of education until his passing.

He served as an alderman in O’Fallon and previously served on the O’Fallon Park Board and the OTHS Endowment Board. He was once a trustee for the Corpus Christi Church Finance Committee. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus 4239 and O’Fallon Booster Club.

“He just represented all of the very best qualities we strive for, not only as educators, but as people,” Bickel said.

The Dennis Grimmer story

Dennis Lee Grimmer was born April 23, 1949, in Belleville, where he grew up and graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1967. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1971, a master’s degree in 1975 and an administrative certification in 1979.

His obituary stated: “Dennis positively impacted countless lives during his tenure as educator, coach, and community official; however, his greatest achievement was his love for his family and friends.”

His family includes his wife Mary and two children, Edwin (Crosby) Grimmer of St. Louis and Amy (Derek) McGuire of Webster Groves, Missouri, and five grandchildren.