Dennis "Denny" Dean Garland
July 26, 2014
Denny Garland, 66, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on July 26, 2014. He was born August 3, 1947, to Gorman Dean and Velma Garland in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Denny graduated from Marshalltown High School and earned his undergraduate degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. He then went on to receive his Master’s degree in Counseling with a specialty in Gerontology from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Denny served as the Executive Director at Luther Park since 1988. His work was his passion and Luther Park flourished under his leadership.
Denny was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny and he recently joined a canoe club. He enjoyed fishing, his family, and spending time with his grandchildren. Denny was an inspiration to those he came in contact with and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Denny is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Susan; children, Karin (Curt) Wobeter, David (Trena) Garland, Sam (Amy) Seller, and Tom (Molly) Seller; grandchildren, Austin Wobeter, Ian Gage, Leonna Gage, Gavin Seller, Sabrina Seller, and Gordon Seller; brother, Donald (Joanne) Garland; and his sister-in-law, Beth Garland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Garland.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1st at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th Street SW in Altoona, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made to Luther Care Services, 2824 E. 16th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316, in loving memory of Denny.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
DaVonna Harris
01/30/2015
Sue: I will never forget the time I challenged Denny to a cheeseburger eating contest. I am sure however you heard all about it. One of the funniest things I've ever done in my life. I shared with Denny. Denny was a wonderful human being. I was so deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I was unable to attend the funeral because I was uninformed. Please know that had I known I would have been there. I still have the cutting board he gave me and each time I use it, I think of him. Take care, my prayers are with you and your family.~DaVonna
Connie Stivers, daughter of Hazel Crawford, reside
08/21/2014
My favorite story of Denny: My mother wanted to pick the roses on Campus. Someone had discouraged her picking them. Mom decided to ask the "boss". Denny told her to pick as many as she wished. Many residents remember mom with her rose deliveries. Sadly, mom is bedridden. Sad for your loss.
Doug Grabinski
08/03/2014
Sue: My mother and Dean and Velma graduated from Marshalltown High School together and remained friends for most of their lives so I knew Denny from the time we were very young. He and I started Morningside College together. He became known as Stork. After college we lost touch and I was sorry to read in the Des Moines Register of his death. I also did not know that Dick had died before Denny. My prayers to you and your family from my family in Clear Lake, Iowa
Suzie Moore
08/01/2014
Dear Sue & Family, on behalf of myself and my brother, Chuck, who all grew up together on 15th & 16th St in Marshalltown, I want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you. Denny was a special guy, as is the whole Garland family. May God surround you with peace in the days ahead and find comfort in all the lives that Denny touched through the years and the love that enfolds you from us all. God bless...
Dennis & Barb Gurnsey
07/30/2014
Sue & family - so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. He was an outstanding person, & will be missed by family & Luther Park. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Michelle Simmons
07/30/2014
I was a nurse at Luther Park back in the late 80's and early 90's.
Denny was such a gentle giant and always made me laugh.
Prayers to the entire family.
Dennis Roupe & Family
07/30/2014
We first met Denny and Sue 22 years ago when our daughter Amy started dating Sue's son Sam. Denny was always a gracious and caring man who thought of others first. When my wife Susan had a heart attack and passed away, he was a great comfort to my family. He was a great friend and the best father in law my daughter could wish for. We will miss his presence in our lives, All our love and continued support goes out to the Garland family.
Gertrude Naber
07/30/2014
I was so sorry to hear of Denny's passing today. I had admiration and respect for Denny. My condolences to Sue and his family. My prayers are with you.
Carol and John Carlson
07/30/2014
Our prayers are with you, Sue, and your family, especially Sam. You were such wonderful friends when we moved to Ankeny and knew no one. We have a lot of fond memories of dinners out together. May God hold all of you in His arms.
Brian Farrell
07/30/2014
I was very sorry to learn of Denny's death. I knew him as a friend and as a long-term care professional. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to his family.
Bob Hoover, DDS
07/30/2014
Dear Garland Family,
It was with great sadness that I learned of Denny's passing. "Stork" was the kindest, most upbeat fraternity brother of all. My heart goes out to you.
Sincerely,
Bob
Dan Kem
07/29/2014
It was a blessing to know Dennis. He was a kind and gentle soul.
My prayers go out to all family and friends. May the Lord comfort you in this time of loss.
bill thayer
07/29/2014
It was my pleasure and honor to know and appreciate Denny;s great gifts of knowledge and humor. We first met as he was applying for the Luther Park leadership position. My thoughts and prayers are with Sue and his family. May God Bless you at this most difficult time.
Keith and Sue Hyland
07/29/2014
God blessed us with Denny's leadership at Luther Park for over 25 years. I will always remember his dedication and constant planning for the future of Luther Park/Luther Care Services in serving our community. Sue and family: our prayers for God's peace and comfort at this time.
Randy Hansen
07/29/2014
On behalf of the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Morningside College, I offer my condolences to the family. RIP Stork.