Dennis Dancker

McFarland - Dennis L. Dancker, age 68, of McFarland, passed away peacefully at home on December 6, 2017. He was born on November 25, 1949 in Bloomfield, Iowa, the son of Louis C. Dancker and Marjorie I. Miles. Dennis married the love of his life, Kathy, on April 6, 1974 in Muscatine, Iowa.

Dennis grew up with a love of baseball, he was built to pitch. He started out playing little league baseball and played all throughout his school career. After high school graduation, Dennis attended Indian Hills Community College in Centerville, Iowa to begin his career towards public service. He took a detour along the way and joined the United States Navy. Dennis proudly served the Navy from 1969-1970 during the Vietnam War as a navy corpsman at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. He also spent time at Camp Lejeune. After discharge, he became a grocery store manager for several years when he met Kathy. Once Dennis and Kathy were united in marriage, they settled in Muscatine, where he finished his associate's degree and embarked on his journey to become a Public Administrator through courses at the University of Iowa. Between being a family man full time and completing correspondence classes full time, he also managed to work full time, starting his public service career with the city of Bloomfield. He was the City Coordinator for Vinton, Iowa, before relocating the family to McFarland in January 1987. Dennis was an avid bowler, especially in his younger years. He enjoyed watching Hawkeye and Badger basketball and football. He encouraged all four of his children to participate in high school sports, coaching all four children in some sport at one time or another. He loved watching old Westerns and Mecum. Dennis thoroughly enjoyed his retirement, especially when he was blessed with his grandchildren.

Dennis was a family man, loving husband, proud father, and doting grandfather. Dennis is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy; son Christopher (Lesley) Dancker; daughter Kimberly (John) McLeod; daughter Jennifer Dancker; son Jeffrey (Meghan) Dancker. Dennis is further survived by his sister Joyce Woodard; grandchildren Everly, Kinley, and Benson; many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren; and so many others too numerous to mention. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and father-in-law.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, December 15th at the American Legion Post 534, 4911 Burma Rd., in McFarland. At 3 p.m. sharp, full military honors will commence, followed by an informal gathering and light luncheon until 6 p.m.. Memorials will be determined by the family at a later date.

"Those we love never go away. They walk beside us Even on this day. Unseen, Unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear"