Dennis Venz

Dennis Venz, 66, of Eldora and formerly of Iowa Falls, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024 at UnityPoint Health – Allen Memorial in Waterloo. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Woodley Funeral Home in Hampton with full military honors. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Denny and his family.

Dennis Lee Venz was born on Aug. 20, 1957 to Charles and Dorothy Hadley. Denny graduated from Nashua High School class of 1975 He honorably served in the United States Army from 1976-1979, during which time he served as a Guard and Watchman for the Military Police. He excelled as a Sharpshooter and Marksman. Denny’s life long career path in Law Enforcement was influenced by his service to his country and he was a proud Republican.

On June 6, 1981 Denny was united in marriage to Gloria Jean Houstman at the Wesleyan Church in Charles City, Iowa.

Denny began his career in Law Enforcement, March of 1979 in Rockford, Iowa, where he served as Police Chief for two years. He then served as a Patrolman for the Iowa Falls Police Department until July 1986 before taking a position as Deputy with the Hardin County Sherriff’s Office until his retirement in 2007.

Denny made many lifelong friends in his career, some would say, Denny was the most intense and loudest guy in the room. He had an ornery streak to keep things interesting but was the life of the party with his jokes and stories. In his leisure time, Denny was a collector of fire arms, enjoyed golf, fishing and recently enjoyed games on his PlayStation 5.

Denny was a family man. Nothing meant more to him than his wife Gloria, his daughter “princess Tiffany” and his grandchildren. They brought him the greatest joy.

Dennis Venz is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Venz of Eldora, Iowa; daughter, Tiffany Venz (Travis) of Marshalltown; grandchildren: Ariana, Aidan and Rayce; brothers and sisters; Steve, David (Annette), Judy (Ken), Jeff (Sherry); brother in-law, Jack Grones of Elk River, Minnesota; sister in-law, Mary (Steve) Jung of Mason City, Iowa and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Lee; parents, Charles and Dorothy Hadley; mother and father in-law, Richard and Grace Houstman; and sister, Sharon Grones.

Although he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will live on in the memories we hold dear. His love and laughter will echo in the hearts of those who knew him.