Dennis Yohnka, a long-time journalist for the Daily Journal who reported on races at Kankakee County Speedway for decades, died unexpectedly Monday at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was 68. The cause of death wasn’t released, according to the newspaper, but a heart condition had worsened.

"He was always very gracious," said former Kankakee racer and promoter Jim O’Connor told the newspaper. "I never heard a person that didn't like him.”

He is survived by his wife, Terry Yohnka, four children and 12 grandchildren. Complete obituary information is available at knappfuneralhomes.com.