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
Terry Lantz
07/29/2014
So sorry to hear about Denny's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with Luther Park. He will be missed by all.
Valerie Kautzky
07/29/2014
Dear Sue, I was sad to learn of Denny's passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will remember the fun times getting together and having lots of laughs. I know your wonderful memories will carry you through this difficult time.
BOB & LAURA TUCKER
07/29/2014
SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS.
WE WILL BE THINKING OF YOU AS YOU GO THOUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Ron Carlson
07/29/2014
Very sad news. It makes me reflect on the wonderful kindness Denny shared with my parents. He will be missed by many to whom he showed similar friendship.
Milton & Kathleen Moya
07/29/2014
Words can't express what a wonderful guy Denny was. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joann Tucker
07/29/2014
I am so sorry for your loss. As a fellow Sioux City resident Denny always had a great story to share with me, I will miss his beaming personality and smile. I hope your family can find peace and comfort in each other and the memories of him that you will share.
Ray and Mary Main
07/29/2014
Sue and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. We appreciated and will always remember the gifts of real love friendship from Denny. I also learned the meaning of service leadership from the real leader. Peace to you all.
Bob and Kay Cline
07/29/2014
Sue, we are so sorry for your loss. Denny gave me many opportunities over the years at Luther Park and I am very appreciative. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Ann Larsen
07/29/2014
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Many years ago Denny gave me my first start into the arduous, but wonderful world of long term health care back at Valborg. That changed my life completely. I didn't always agree with Denny, but I have not forgotten and will not ever forget the important role he played in my life. Nor in the lives of many others. Rest in peace, Big Guy!
Carl and Helen Trask
07/29/2014
Sue, please know that Helen and I both enjoy visiting with Denny and you and are sadden by his passing away. I still remember Denny and I shooting trap at the old Izaak Walton, what great fun that was.
Sandi Wattier
07/29/2014
My heart just broke when I heard of Denny's passing. I will miss his friendly phone calls & his smile every time he came into our office. Sue, please know my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. I pray that God will comfort all of you through each & every moment. I will never forget my friend.
Teresa Moya
07/28/2014
Our condolences for you Tom and your familia RIP...Tia Tere and all the family in Costa Rica!
Kathy Krogmeier
07/28/2014
Denny was larger than life. His personality filled the room. What a loss to all of us and to Luther Park. He was our visionary. He will be so greatly missed. Sue, I'm sure your world has just been spun upside down and backwards and it is still spinning. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Please let me know if you need anything. Hugs to you!
Patty McCullough
07/28/2014
Sue, I am so sorry to hear the news about Denny's death. Per usual, I was looking forward to lunch on Wednesday. His unique and endearing personality will be greatly missed by me for sure as well as others.