Dennis Gillen
August 2, 1947 ~ April 7, 2026
It is with great sadness, and even greater gratitude for a life so well lived, that we share the passing of Dennis Lee Gillen, who died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday.
Born in Kingman, Kansas, Dennis lived a life defined by love of family, deep faith, service to his community, and genuine joy in the people and pursuits he cared about most.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Delores Gillen; his beloved first wife, Colleen (Dullea) Gillen, whom he married on August 8, 1970, and who passed away in 2009; and his stepdaughter, Lacey Garrison, who passed away in 2020.
Dennis was proud to call Kansas home. A graduate of Washburn University, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees, he built a highly respected legal career in Wichita. In 1979, he founded his own law firm with his partner, Spencer Depew, and became known not only as an accomplished attorney, but as a trusted counselor, leader, mentor, and friend to many.
His professional achievements were numerous, including serving as President of the Kansas Bar Association, but those who knew him best will remember how much he cared about giving back. He served as a board member of Guadalupe Clinic, was active in the Wichita Wagon Masters, and served as president and longtime member of Crestview Country Club.
His Catholic faith remained an important part of his life, and he was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and later St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
More than any title or accomplishment, Dennis was a devoted family man. He took immense pride in his children and grandchildren and found his greatest happiness in watching them grow, succeed, and build families of their own.
He is lovingly survived by his sister, Mary Jane Stankiewicz; his children, Cara Horn (Brian), Austin Gillen (Kimberly), Leigh Lytle (Patrick), and Kate Gillen (Nate Bahr); and his cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Jude, Micah, Harvey, Truman, Gigi, Colin, Emma, Paul, and Liam.
He is also survived by his beloved wife, Lana Gillen, whom he married in 2011; and by her children, Bethany Thimesch (Ryan), Kaley Tiesmeyer, and Kenley Tiesmeyer (Blake) and Todd Garrison, Lacey’s widower, along with his treasured step-grandchildren, Hadley, Harper, Raegan, Cadence, Brecklyn, and Memphis.
Dennis celebrated life in many ways— cheering on Wichita State Shockers men’s basketball, traveling to attend multiple Olympic Games, spending time on the golf course with good friends, and gathering with family whenever he could.
He will be remembered for his steady presence, sharp mind, generous heart, and unwavering love for his family and friends. We will miss his wisdom, his humor, and the pride he took in all of us, but we are forever grateful for the example he set and the life he shared.
His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply.
Rosary will be at 2:00 pm; Funeral Mass will be at 2:30 pm, Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
A memorial has been established with: Guadalupe Clinic, 940 S. St. Francis, Wichita, KS 67211.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.
Services
Rosary: Friday, April 10, 2026 2:00 pm
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
123 N. Andover Rd.
Andover, KS 67002
316-733-1423
Funeral Mass: Friday, April 10, 2026 2:30 pm
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
123 N. Andover Rd.
Andover, KS 67002
316-733-1423
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Dennis Gillen 's name.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
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Twenty years ago, you gave me the opportunity to intern at your firm in Kansas. You welcomed me with great kindness, invited me to your home, and made sure I felt at ease from the start. It was an experience that has stayed with me ever since.
I still remember the way you would introduce me, often saying, “She’s been to the Sorbonne.” I still think about it, and it always makes me smile.
My thoughts also go to Austin, whom I remember meeting with great pleasure.
Thank you for your generosity and for that time.
You will be remembered.
A true legend has just passed. The 50 years since I met Dennis and we became friends we have so much history. Starting out, we played basketball games when we were still young enough to move up and down the court, then he became our personal and corporate attorney for our medical businesses. After that we played golf frequently, had great times in the Wagonmasters, had many lighthearted conversations about who was better Notre Dame or Oklahoma and got together for many social events. You were truly one of a kind! I will miss you, RIP, my friend.