Denise Graf

Denise J. Graf, 66, of Wilmington passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Riverside medical Center in Kankakee. She was born November 24, 1959 to Charles “Chuck” and Nancy (Whitman) Thompson in Kankakee. Family was the center of her world, rooted in a deep pride for her family history and traditions she held dear. She treasured the times surrounded by the people she loved, especially during the quiet, cherished moments she shared with Lynn on their yard swing, watching sports or old classic TV shows when he returned from the road. “Niecey” or “Dede” was a rare authentic soul- she never pretended to be anyone but herself. She was known for her enormous heart and spirit that knew no strangers; possessing a gift for making everyone feel like a member of her own family. We take comfort in knowing she is once again hanging out with her beloved dog, Humphrey, who preceded her in death. Outside of her family she also enjoyed puzzles, sudoku, arts and crafts, and cooking traditional family recipes. She is survived by her life partner, Lynn Goodwin of Wilmington; his sons Keith (Morgan) and Carl, both of Kansas; her brothers, Michael “mike” Thompson of Bradley and Gary (Jan) Thompson of Arizona; and her sisters, Julie Thompson of California and Jennifer (Craig) Books of Tennessee. She is also survived by two uncles. Don Thompson of Mahomet and Terry Thompson of Bradley; one aunt, Sally Hood of Kankakee; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents ;her brother, Brian; stepmom Teresa “Terri” (Ikeler) Thompson; uncles, Larry Thompson George Hood; and aunts Bonnie, Kathie, and Margaret Thompson, as well as her beloved dog, Humphrey.