Dennis Myron West passed away at Northridge Village Care Center in Ames on Dec. 2, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 9, 2016, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ames with burial to follow at Ames Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Dennis was born on Aug. 1, 1943 to Myron and Margaret (Dubberke) West. He was the oldest of 5 children. Dennis was raised on a farm in Hubbard where he helped raise corn, soybeans and livestock. Denny farmed with his father for many years and then after his father's retirement, continued farming the land part time until 1991.
Dennis' education started out at a country school SE of Hubbard. He graduated from Hubbard High School in 1961 and from Ellsworth Community College in 1963, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. He also attended classes at DMACC and Iowa State University. Dennis served as a cook in the Iowa Army National Guard stationed in Iowa Falls and then Hampton, IA, from 1964-1970. Besides farming, Dennis also worked at Piel Mfg. Co, Sundstrand (now Sauer Danfoss), Butler Mfg. Co, ALMACO, Putco, Innovative Lighting, and Todd and Sargent before retiring in 2008.
Dennis was baptized August 22, 1943 and confirmed June 9, 1957 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hubbard. Dennis loved to serve his lord and fulfilled many duties in the church including: Sunday School teacher and superintendent, chairman of the congregation, elder, board of evangelism, usher and greeter.
On April 22, 1972, Dennis married Elaine (Sternberg) and together they were blessed with three children; Erika, Susan (Jim Fangmann) and Michael. They lived in rural Nevada, and in Colo, before settling on an acreage outside of Ames in December 1991. After retirement, Dennis and Elaine took several trips and cruises. He also enjoyed church activities, reading the bible, spending time with family and friends, watching football games, fishing, hunting, gardening and lawn care, collecting and organizing things, and going to the grandkids events.
He is survived by his three children, Erika Jean (Keith Abraham), Susan Elaine (James Fangmann), and Michael Dennis; six granchildren, Parker William, Ty Michael, Isaac James, Julia Margaret, Anna Lisa, and Aaron James; four siblings, David West, Lucy (Dwayne) Klocke, Linda (Dave) Hinderaker, and Lori (Gary) McNeeley; sister-in-law, Marlene Herget; brother-in-law, Dennis (Barbara) Sternberg; and numerous extended family including Madison Lyn and Samuel Joseph.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; parents, Myron and Margaret West; father and mother in law, Eric and Gesine Sternberg; and his nephew, Jason West.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
December 9, 2016
Erika, Susan, and Mike; So sorry to hear of your loss. Keep the memories alive in your heart.
Dan and Sue Morrical
December 7, 2016
Ed Jones
Erika, Susan, Mike: Your father was one of the most genuinely good men that I have had the great fortune to meet in my life - I remember the even temperament of how he conducted himself and his laugh.
He was a good person!
My best wishes to the entire West Family!
Sorry I can't attend his services - just had hip surgery and I'm a little restricted right now.
December 6, 2016
Dad-
Make sure you give Mom a huge hug from me! I miss her bunches and miss you already too! So glad that we spent so much time together these past few years, I learned things about you that I probably wouldn't have known otherwise! Thanks for helping raise my boys, for taking them to St. Paul Preschool, coming to their school and sporting events, taking Parker to Confirmation classes when I couldn't, and teaching us all about Christ and what he's done for us. Until we meet again in heaven some day.
Love Always,
Your "eldest" daughter
Erika
December 3, 2016
Larry Hartwig
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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