Dennis E. Holmes, 83, died Friday, June 16, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society in Algona. A funeral service for Dennis Holmes will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the United Methodist Church, Lu Verne. Burial will follow the funeral service at Lu Verne Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Lu Verne.
Dennis Eugene Holmes was born August 20, 1939 to Russell Wendell Holmes and Maxine Bartine (Baker) Holmes. Dennis grew up in Steamboat Rock, IA. Dennis graduated from Steamboat Rock High School in 1957 and then attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls and then Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls (State College of Iowa and now UNI), graduating in 1961.
In the fall of 1961, Dennis began his brilliant teaching career in Lu Verne, IA. Over the course of 42 years, Dennis taught high school social studies, high school French, middle school social studies and reading all in Room 20 of the Lu Verne building, retiring in 2003. Dennis was also a successful middle track coach for many years. After retiring, Dennis spent many years substituting in the Humboldt and Algona school districts where a whole new generation of students got to experience the joy of having Mr. Holmes in the classroom.
In the fall of 1964, Dennis met his future wife, Barbara Frances Sharman, as she was hired as the new band director that year. Dennis and Barbara were married on June 4, 1966. Three children were born to this union, Jennifer, James and Joan.
Besides teaching full time, Dennis was very active in the community and surrounding areas. He served on the Lu Verne City Council for several years prior to being elected Mayor of Lu Verne. Dennis served as mayor from 1973-2017. Dennis was also a member of the Lu Verne Betterment Committee and several committees at the United Methodist Church in Lu Verne. Dennis has also served many years on the Exceptional Opportunities Board in Burt, IA. He was a member of the Steamboat Rock Historical Society, Ames Railfans, and the Lizard Creek Railroading Club. He also thoroughly enjoyed working as a volunteer tour guide in the summer for the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad Excursion Train. Dennis was a lifelong member of the ISEA/NEA.
Music ministry was also a large part of Dennis’ life. He played organ at the Presbyterian Church in Steamboat Rock. He has also been the organist at the United Methodist Church in Lu Verne and the organist at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for many years.
Spending time with family and friends was one of Dennis’ favorite pastimes. He enjoyed playing cards, collecting and chasing trains, collecting coins and visiting with family and friends.
Dennis’ health had failed in the last several years and months as he has been battling congestive heart failure, kidney failure, cancer and several strokes. Dennis peacefully passed away Friday, June 16, 2023. We are thankful for the wonderful care provided by the medical staff of Hospice of the Heartland in these final weeks.
Dennis is survived by his children and their families: Jennifer (Jason) Wessels, Nevada, IA; James (Shasta) Holmes, Urbana, IA; Joan (James) Hendrickson, St. Ansgar, IA; and grandchildren Elizabeth, Megan, and Ryan Wessels; Hunter and Alexis Holmes; Haley, Ashley, and Olivia Muhs.
Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, his parents Russell and Maxine, his parents-in-law Francis Laverne and Mary Elizabeth (Krauser) Sharman, and 2 sisters-in-law Mary Anne Sharman and Katherine Renee Sharman.
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