Dr. Dennis Arthur Weis

On May 6, 2025 at the age of 76, Dr. Dennis Arthur Weis took his last breath on this earth and his first one in Heaven after living with pancreatic cancer for over two years. He was lovingly cared for at home, and he passed peacefully with his wife and family by his side. We have no doubt he was joyfully reunited with his son, Lucas, and so many others who have gone before him.

Dennis was born June 22, 1948 in Burlington, Wisconsin, son of Grace and Arthur Weis. He graduated in 1966 from St. John’s High School in Independence, Iowa, and went on to pursue a career in pharmacy. In 1971, Dennis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy with distinction from The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, Iowa. He would go on to attend medical school at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1975. After completing his residency at the University of Illinois in Peoria, Illinois, he became board certified in Family Practice and later in his career, Addiction Medicine.

Dennis worked in the substance abuse field for most of his career, working with patients in treatment and doing scientific research on the effects of drugs in the brain. He served as Medical Director of Powell Chemical Dependency Center at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa for multiple years, and was active in numerous professional organizations during his career, including the Board of Directors for Senator Charles Grassley’s “Face it Together” Coalition. He was interviewed for the HBO special “Meth in America” as well as the CBS Morning Show about Methamphetamine. He was a frequent lecturer on substance abuse and was a legal expert witness for drug and alcohol cases.

Dennis authored various articles on substance abuse issues for state and local papers and magazines, and was a panel member, contributing author for “The Treatment of Stimulant Abuse Disorder”, TIPS 33. He was a primary investigator for a Methamphetamine Clinical Trials Group for the National Institute of Drug Abuse UCLA/Iowa site.

He was also instrumental in changing Iowa law that now allows pharmacies to dispense Naloxone a medication that rapidly reversed the effects of an opioid overdose, to any individual without a prescription. He has helped so many people and made a huge difference in the lives of many who struggle with addiction. His employment with the State of Iowa Social Security Disability from 1988 to 2023 also allowed him to serve thousands of people.

Dennis and Kimberly Borchardt were united in marriage on October 14, 1989. They made their first home in Urbandale, Iowa followed by West Des Moines, Iowa where they have lived for 30 years. Dennis and Kim were fortunate to be able to travel to many beautiful places, and a favorite was being able to take Dennis’ dream trip to Kyoto, Japan where he was able to see and experience the Japanese culture and his love of Samurai.

Dennis was a man of many interests, talents and hobbies. He was a very accomplished photographer, taking many pictures of their travels together, focusing on getting just the right shot of many beautiful cathedrals. Later his love of scuba diving led him to underwater photography. He once had the opportunity to scuba dive in Truk Lagoon, located in Micronesia, in the Pacific Ocean. He described that trip as “some of the best dive experiences-ever.” He was an avid Jazz music fan and has an extensive collection of jazz CD’s and vinyl albums. His love for the sport of basketball started at a young age and he was still enjoying the NBA playoffs right before his death. He played basketball as a youth and even walked on to the University of Iowa Men’s basketball team. His knowledge of everything basketball is beyond impressive.

A master storyteller, he could tell a story like no other. Those who have heard some of his childhood stories know that each time it was told, it became a little more exaggerated. A sense of humor was important to Dennis and he has said, “I like to make people laugh.” He had a full and well lived life. He was so very loved and will be missed tremendously.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kimberly; three sons, Christopher (Kelly), Miles (Cara) and Zachary (Danielle); five beautiful grandchildren, Carter, Arabelle, Liam, Taylor and Emilia; brothers, Dale (Judy), Dean (Debbie) and Duane Weis; and sisters, Donita Beatty and Darlene Virgl (John).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and art, a brother, Darel, an older sister, Claudia, and his youngest son, Lucas Alexander Weis.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 13 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 600 6th Avenue in Des Moines. A lunch will immediately follow at the church with his final resting place next to his son, Lucas, at Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Avenue in Des Moines. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Dennis’ life.

Memorial donations may be given to Unity Point at Home Hospice or Powell Chemical Dependency Center in loving memory of Dennis.

His family would like to thank Unity Point Hospice for their exceptional care and for giving him “a good exit without any turbulence.” Dr. Heddinger and all the staff at Mission Cancer, and Dr. Matthew Herrmann, whose honesty, compassion, and positive attitude were a source of comfort and support to both Dennis and Kim.

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