Charles Roland Dennis

Charles Roland Dennis, 79, passed away April 24, 2013, to rejoice with his Lord and with his wife, Evelyn Joann (Stiles) Dennis, the love of his life before she left his life on this earth July 14, 2005.

Charles was born November 27, 1933, to Merle Howard Dennis and Beatrice (Bayles) Dennis.

Charles entered his volunteer military service April 1, 1952, in service to the U.S. Army. He was proud to be accomplished and complete his most significant duty assignment, being that of gunner with Company H, 86th Infantry Regiment out of Fort Riley, Kansas. Charles completed his military duties, deployed during the Korean War, January 1, 1955, with an honorable discharge. After completing his military service, Charles went on to marry Evelyn and help raise six step-children, and was blessed with four more children of his own to follow.

Charles supported his family working as a carpenter, and moved on to own and run a small full-service filling/gas station for a time in his life. He then experienced a career change, becoming a plant manager for Fawn Engineering before retiring his employment/working career. He also worked for the Des Moines Schools as a mechanical engineer to spend the remainder of his life with his wife, Evelyn.

Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling, as well as his hobby and passion for crafting wooden toys and novelty gifts for his children and grandchildren, his skill for previous carpentry resurfacing through his toy hobby.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn of 49 years; father, Merle, (also a carpenter in life); mother, Beatrice; two younger sisters, Darlene and Betty; and his brother, Junior. Charles was lovingly cared for by his eldest daughter, Cheryl (Bill) Rorebeck and their two children, Joshua and Brean, his grandchildren. Assisting with the care for Charles were Jim (Sherrie) Leaf, step-son, and their children and grandchildren. They were a constant source of love and support in the care for Charles. He also received significant backup support from Grant Sloan, recognized as a son/grandson, as Charles and Evelyn raised Grant from the age of 3 and considered him their son. Charles is survived by six step-children and four biological children, Cheryl (Bill) Rorebeck, Joy (Jeff) Oldson, Charles, Jr. (Mandi) Dennis, and Terri (Robert) Kraft; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2013, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, followed by a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Charles R. Dennis, c/o Cheryl and Bill Rorebeck, 824 Linden Drive, Norwalk, Iowa 50211

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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