Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer passed away Sunday night, according to an announcement from his family. Deer represented the county’s second district. He was 51.
The family said in a statement, “Dr. Deer’s passionate lifelong dedication made him a tireless servant to the community in areas of healthcare, education, economic development, employment and training, re-entry, and affordable housing.”
They added, “Dr. Deer’s greatest joy and pride were his family. He cherished his roles as husband to his high school sweetheart Barbara Deer and father to his twin sons Kaleb and Kanaan and daughter Trinity.”
The cause of death is not known at this time, though the family said it would provide more details soon.
Deer, a 2020 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence honoree, assumed office in July 2017. His term was set to conclude in December 2026. Last year, Commissioner Deer underwent a successful double lung transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
On Monday, various Illinois dignitaries paid tribute to his life and legacy, which was distinguished by a commitment to service.
“Illinois has lost a true champion with the passing of my dear friend, Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer,” stated Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Dennis was the epitome of selfless service, dedicating his life to uplifting others and improving our neighborhoods. His genuine care and tireless efforts made a difference for people from all walks of life.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson added, “The passing of my dear brother and former Cook County Board colleague Commissioner Dennis Deer is a devastating loss for our city and county. Dennis was a beacon of hope and compassion who fulfilled a mission of improving healthcare, education and economic opportunities for every resident he served.”
Lt. Gov. Stratton’s full statement:
“Illinois has lost a true champion with the passing of my dear friend, Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer. Dennis was the epitome of selfless service, dedicating his life to uplifting others and improving our neighborhoods. His genuine care and tireless efforts made a difference for people from all walks of life.
As we mourn, we also celebrate Dennis’s remarkable life and the warmth he brought to all who knew him. My heart goes out to his wife Barbara, their children Kaleb, Kanaan, and Trinity, and everyone whose life he touched. Dennis’s kindness and unwavering commitment to helping others will continue to inspire us all.”
Mayor Johnson’s full statement:
“The passing of my dear brother and former Cook County Board colleague Commissioner Dennis Deer is a devastating loss for our city and county. Dennis was a beacon of hope and compassion who fulfilled a mission of improving healthcare, education and economic opportunities for every resident he served. A tireless advocate for the underserved and underrepresented, he was a champion for people, with an unwavering commitment and genuine love for a district that spanned the Loop, Englewood and the West Side of Chicago.
My deepest condolences go out to his wife, his three beautiful children and his entire family and County Board colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Dennis’ absence will be profoundly felt, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.”
My condolences to the family of Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer. He was a tireless advocate for his constituents and understood better than most that access to health care is a human right. https://t.co/ATf2rrALuH
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) June 24, 2024
U.S. Rep Danny K. Davis’s Statement:
“Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, whom I have known since he was a child, worked with his mother and father. I knew the family well. He was a great public servant. Well trained and prepared for the work that he did. A psychologist by training but a public servant of the highest degree. I trust that his family, wife, children, and other members of the family can take solace in terms of how much he meant to the city of Chicago and Cook County.
The public service that he provided, the leadership, the friendship, we’re just hoping that the family can find some person, and I’m sure they will, to do the great work that Commissioner Deer exemplified. Please note that all my staff, all of my family, and many of our volunteers who had direct contact with Dennis extend their greatest condolence.”
— Toni Preckwinkle (@ToniPreckwinkle) June 24, 2024
Very saddened to wake up to the news of the passing of our friend Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer. A public servant who truly saw his role as a ministry and a mission for helping people. His dedication to fighting for equity in healthcare for black people was second to… pic.twitter.com/ZOX7tpNyyp
— Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (@SpeakerWelchIL) June 24, 2024
So sad to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague Dennis Deer. A true champion of the West Side and a man with a big heart for the people. Condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Rest in peace, brother. https://t.co/LmDjxqS1lW
— Lori Lightfoot (@LoriLightfoot) June 24, 2024
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