TERRIL — Dennis Jackson, 79, of Terril, passed away Friday, July 10, 2026.
Dennis was born Nov. 11, 1946, in Estherville, the son of Elvin and Bertha Pedersen Jackson. He grew up in Terril and graduated from Terril High School in 1964.
He continued his education at Morningside College in Sioux City, graduating in 1968. While attending college, Dennis was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Nadine Bennington, in 1967. Their marriage spanned 58 years and brought them three children, Tamara, Jennifer and Troy.
According to his obituary, Dennis was drafted into the United States Army in July 1968. He was stationed in Germany beginning in March 1969 and received an honorable discharge in April 1970.
After completing his military service, Dennis returned to the Jackson family farm outside Terril. He and Nadine built their home and raised their family there.
Farming was more than an occupation for Dennis. His obituary notes that it was his passion and way of life, and he remained connected to the farm until his passing.
In recent years, Dennis was able to take a less active role with assistance from Brad Mortenson while continuing to remain involved with the land he loved.
Dennis developed a lifelong appreciation for East Lake Okoboji while growing up. He enjoyed boating, fishing and swimming and took special pleasure in sharing time at the lake with his family.
His commitment to others extended throughout the Terril and Dickinson County communities.
Dennis served the Terril Telephone Company, American Legion Walsh Post 432, Dickinson County Veterans Affairs and the Dickinson County Board of Adjustment.
He was also treasurer of the Terril Volunteer Fire Board, a Lloyd Township trustee and a first responder.
According to his obituary, Dennis was known for his willingness to help his neighbors and for the quiet, dependable way he served his community.
He also enjoyed golfing, traveling with Nadine and cheering for the Morningside Mustangs football team.
Family remained the center of Dennis’ life. He is survived by his wife, Nadine Jackson; children Tamara and Craig Lewandowski, Jennifer and Kevin McGregor, and Troy and Angela Jackson; grandchildren Cristian and Sarah Brollier, Carter Brollier, Sam Lewandowski, Jack Lewandowski, Ava Lewandowski, Ryley and Josie McGregor, Nolan McGregor, First Class Airman Kasey McGregor, Makara and Eli Kirlin, and Maddax Jackson; and great-grandchildren Tucker McGregor, Ripley McGregor, Lola Kirlin and Genevieve Brollier.
He is also survived by his sisters, Sylvia Bryan and Carol Wolf; brother-in-law Vance Thomas; and several nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Bertha Jackson; brothers-in-law Fred Wolf and Roger Bryan; sisters-in-law Jean Ann Reno and Mary Thomas; and parents-in-law Don and Lola Bennington.
Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel, 401 North Seventh Street in Estherville.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home and Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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