Dennis Lou Fournie, 75, of Belleville, IL, born Tuesday, April 5, 1949 in East St. Louis, IL, left this world Monday, March 3, 2025 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO surrounded by his family and closest friends.
Dennis led a life marked by professional success, generosity, and devotion to family. Dennis was the proud owner of Dennis Fournie Realty and Construction Company for over four decades. His notable accomplishments include developing the Park Place office park in Swansea, IL and The Breakers condominiums at the Lake of the Ozarks, MO. He built and owned numerous apartment buildings and homes throughout Belleville and surrounding areas.
Dennis was also a licensed real estate salesman and managing broker in both Illinois and Missouri. Beyond his professional achievements, Dennis was known for his philanthropic spirit. He was a generous donor and supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for over 43 years and actively supported disabled veterans.
Dennis was preceded in death by his:
- Parents, Hilbert Charles and Adaline Ann (nee Becherer) Fournie
- Brother, Gerald Fournie
- Nephew, Michael Fournie
He is survived by his:
- Devoted wife of 40 years, Maureen M. Fournie (nee Moore)
- Daughter, Lauren Nicole (Chris) Ramig of Glen Carbon, IL
- Son, Trevor Alan Fournie (Lydia Johnson) of Belleville, IL
- Step-grandchildren:
- Aidan
- Adaline
- Extended family:
- Dakota and Jacoby
- Brothers:
- Robert Fournie of Belleville, IL
- Kenneth (Carol) Fournie of Belleville, IL
- Joe Fournie of Mascoutah, IL
- James (Karen) Fournie of Belleville, IL
- Sister, Mary Beth (Darrell) DeFoe of Millstadt, IL
Dennis had a zest for life and diverse interests. He enjoyed snow skiing, playing tennis, hunting, snowmobiling and boating. Dennis was an avid fan of westerns, especially Gunsmoke. He also had a deep appreciation of music, especially the Eagles and could recite every word to every song. A sports enthusiast, he faithfully supported the Dallas Cowboys and was arguably the St. Louis Cardinals’ biggest fan, often listening to games from his lake house deck.
Above all, Dennis cherished his family. He was known for his sense of humor, work ethic, intelligence, loyalty, and strong personality. Though sometimes difficult, he was a force to be reckoned with and certainly one of a kind. Dennis is irreplaceable and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Disabled American Veterans.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 14, 2025, from 4-7 pm at Tim and Joe’s in Belleville, IL.
