Dennis Pendleton
August 15, 2015
Dennis Pendleton
Des Moines
Dennis Wayne Pendleton, 64, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2015, at Kavanagh House in Des Moines.
Dennis was born July 20, 1951, in St. Joseph, Missouri to Marjorie and Leon “Slim” Cardwell. After high school, he began working for the railroad. Through his travels on the railroad, he met and married Linda Russo and together they raised their two daughters, Breanne and Kalin. They settled permanently in Urbandale, Iowa where he worked for the Urbandale Police Department, and then for the Des Moines Police Department, from where he retired, after a total of 18 years.
Dennis spent his retirement enjoying fishing, especially with his friends he called “brothers.” He liked photography and often took drives to the country to find his perfect wildlife snapshot. He loved spending time with his family and was known as “Grandpa Denny” to his six grandchildren and many extended family members. He volunteered at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Denny had a genuine personality and will be remembered as a man of his word.
He is survived by his daughters, Breanne (Chris) Costa and Kalin Pendleton; sister, Wilma; brother, Gary; six grandchildren; a host of extended family and friends; and his cat, “The General.” He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with funeral service to begin at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Per Denny’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bill McCarthy
08/20/2015
Worked with Denny and knew him to be one of the good guys and a person you could trust. Over the years as we bumped into each other always enjoyed talking to him. He was respected by many.
Joanne Ramsey
08/19/2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Though I hadn't seen Denny for a long time. I do remember what a great guy he was. Always thinking of others. Rest In Peace Denny..
Phil Bale
08/19/2015
Dennis and I worked together at Urbandale Police Dept. He was a good friend, a true gentleman and someone you knew you could depend upon. Although we hadn't seen each other face to face in some years, we kept in touch on Facebook. Last month, I felt honored when he shared a posting of mine about Don Rickles and Frank Sinatra.. My condolences to his family. You are in my thoughts.
Aunt Val and Uncle Gerald
08/18/2015
Kalin and Breanne
Just want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. God Blessed you with a beautiful Father. He will truly be missed.
We are here for you. Be blessed
Aunt Val/Uncle Gerald
Linda
08/17/2015
Denny was a wonderful friend and neighbor to my folks - He took care of their snow removal, kept an eye on my Dad as his Alzheimer's progressed to make sure he didn't wander too far, and checked in on Mom to make sure she was doing okay after we lost our Dad. She admired his determination and positive attitude and that he never ever complained no matter how bad he felt. Just a couple of weeks ago he told her not to find anyone else to remove her snow next winter because he planned to take care of that for her once again. It was comforting to know that he was just a few steps away if there ever were an emergency. He will be greatly missed and our condolences to his lovely family.
jeff Edwards
08/17/2015
I wish I was articulate enough to describe the kind of person Denny was to me.
Rarely do you find a person with such fierce loyalty to his "brothers", unwavering honesty, and integrity, kindness, and generosity. Denny could always be counted on to have your back and even when he got sick, he rarely complained. He would just smile and say "it is what it is".
Whenever we would talk, Denny would end the conversation by saying "be safe" - he was always thinking of others.
To Denny's family I will say Denny's words...."be safe" and know that all of our lives were better because we knew him.
Emily Mathews
08/17/2015
I will miss Denny's smile and his beautiful spirit!
My heart goes out to you as you mourn the loss of this great man!