Dennis Holmes Obituary, 83-year-old, Dennis Holmes Has Died Unexpectedly

Dennis Holmes Obituary, Death – Dennis E. Holmes, 83, died at Good Samaritan Society in Algona on Friday, June 16, 2023. Dennis Holmes’ funeral ceremony will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Lu Verne. The funeral service will be followed by burial at the Lu Verne Township Cemetery. Visitation will be conducted at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Lu Verne on Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

Russell Wendell Holmes and Maxine Bartine (Baker) Holmes had Dennis Eugene Holmes on August 20, 1939. Dennis was raised in Steamboat Rock, Iowa. Dennis graduated from Steamboat Rock High School in 1957 and then went on to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls and Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls (State College of Iowa and now UNI), where he graduated in 1961. Dennis began his excellent teaching career in Lu Verne, Iowa, in the fall of 1961. Dennis taught high school social studies, high school French, middle school social studies, and reading in Room 20 of the Lu Verne building for 42 years before retiring in 2003.

For many years, Dennis was also a prominent middle track coach. Dennis spent several years as a substitute teacher in the Humboldt and Algona school systems after retiring, where a whole new generation of students got to experience the thrill of having Mr. Holmes in the classroom. Dennis met his future wife, Barbara Frances Sharman, in the fall of 1964, when she was hired as the new band director that year. Dennis and Barbara tied the knot on June 4, 1966. Jennifer, James, and Joan are the children of this couple. Dennis was quite active in the town and nearby areas in addition to teaching full-time. Prior to being elected Mayor of Lu Verne, he served on the Lu Verne City Council for several years.

Dennis was mayor from 1973 to 2017. Dennis also served on the Lu Verne Betterment Committee and several committees at the Lu Verne United Methodist Church. Dennis has also served on the Exceptional Opportunities Board in Burt, Iowa for many years. He was a member of the Ames Railfans, the Steamboat Rock Historical Society, and the Lizard Creek Railroading Club. He also had a great time volunteering as a tour guide on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad Excursion Train throughout the summer. Dennis has been a member of the ISEA/NEA his entire life. Dennis was also involved in music ministry. He played the organ at the Steamboat Rock Presbyterian Church. He has also served as organist at the Lu Verne United Methodist Church and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for many years.

Dennis’ favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends. He liked playing cards, chasing trains, collecting cash, and spending time with family and friends. Dennis’ health has deteriorated in recent years and months as he battled congestive heart disease, kidney failure, cancer, and many strokes. Dennis died peacefully on Friday, June 16, 2023. We are grateful for the excellent care provided by Hospice of the Heartland’s medical professionals in these final weeks. Dennis is survived by his children and their families: Jennifer (Jason) Wessels of Nevada, Iowa; James (Shasta) Holmes of Urbana, Iowa; and Joan (James) Hendrickson of St. Ansgar, Iowa, as well as grandkids Elizabeth, Megan, and Ryan Wessels; Hunter and Alexis Holmes; and Haley, Ashley, and Olivia Muhs. Dennis was predeceased by his loving wife, Barbara, his parents Russell and Maxine, his in-laws Francis Laverne and Mary Elizabeth (Krauser) Sharman, and two sisters-in-law, Mary Anne Sharman and Katherine Renee Sharman.