Final Salute

Dennis Lee Havlin, 72, of Springfield, MO, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in the loving arms of his wife, Brenda and daughter Mary while at home.
Hair, or Santa as he was fondly called, was born October 3, 1949 in Jacksonville, IL. Soon after graduating from North Greene High School, White Hall, IL in 1967 he joined the Seabee branch of the Navy. One port of duty, McMurdo Station sent him to “ice over” in Antarctica for 18 months. While there, he was one of 3 people in the history of that station to fall through the ice and survive.
After his service to his country, he acquired electrical engineering certificates and settled into a position with SRC in Springfield, MO from which he eventually retired.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alice Havlin.
His survivors include his wife, Brenda J. Havlin; daughter Mary Conrad and husband Marc; sons Paul Tanck and wife Shala, Josh Havlin and wife Tyler, Jake Havlin and wife Tiffany; 9 grandchildren, Mckenzie and LCPL Logan Conrad, Alexis and Domanick Tanck, Croix and CéilÍ Havlin; Guillaume and Roosevelt Havlin and Leatha Belrose; a sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Denny Goben; many nieces, nephews and cousins whom he held dear to his heart.
Some of Dennis’s favorite hobbies included riding his motorcycle (Rocinante) driving the mini (Clive), working in his wood shop. He loved to laugh, seeing the humor in all that life brought him and sharing this humor with others. Being Irish, he also dabbled in brewing and distilling! His moto and way of life was to always live the moment. Dennis enjoyed both listening and playing music on many different instruments including: Guitar, Banjo, Tin Pipes, Boron Drum. He was a member of the American Legion Post 639 in Springfield, MO, and The Iron Butt Association.
A celebration of life will be held at his home with family and friends at a future date.

Published by Holden Cremation & Funeral Service – Sparta on Jul. 30, 2022.