Robert Dennis

Robert “Bob” Dennis, 59, of Elkhart, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2016, of a massive heart attack at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines.

Bob was born August 11, 1957, to Anna and Robert Dennis Sr. in Des Moines. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1975. Bob was united in marriage to his wife, Diane, in 1987. Bob worked nearly his entire life in the millwork industry beginning as a truck/delivery driver and ending in commercial sales. Most recently he was employed as a school bus driver in Ankeny for Durham Transportation Services. He delighted every morning in taking “his kids” to school. Bob enjoyed making just about anything from wood; always planning the next project. He undertook a complete remodel of his home in Elkhart and found he was most content being at that home with those he loved. Bob enjoyed sports of all kinds. Always reading the sports page first and closely following his favorite teams: Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears and Cubs. Bob loved to “hunt walleye” at his favorite lake in Minnesota every summer. He recently commented, “Only 46 more weeks until vacation!”

Bob, a man of few words, was hardworking, honest, loyal and fair. He gave his opinion only when asked. He finished everything he started and only showed pride when it involved his children and grandchildren. His main priority was taking care of and providing for his family. He wanted his life simple and uncomplicated, taking on a new slogan, “Today is a good day… to have a good day.”

What gave him the most joy was those that will always cherish his memory: wife, Diane; daughter, Liz (Brad) Grier; son, Bo (Jessica); and grandchildren, Braden and Maya Grier. He is also survived by his brothers, David (Pattie), Brian, and Gary, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and those few he called friends. Bob was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, James Foulkes, and grandparents, Tony and Irene Russo and Fred Dennis.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. A family graveside service will be held on Friday, September 9 where Bob will be laid to rest next to his father.

The family requests that donations be made to Embrace Iowa, an organization through the Des Moines Register that supports Iowans in need (www.desmoinesregister.com) or to Hope Ministries.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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