Dennis Gayheart Edwardson

Dennis Edwardson, of Spencer, formerly of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the St. Luke Nursing Home in Spencer at the age of 82.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Church in Sioux Rapids. Burial will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery in Sioux Rapids. Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids. Masks are encouraged while in attendance at the service and visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Sioux Rapids Fire Department at PO Box 251 Sioux Rapids, Iowa 50585. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements. 

Dennis Edwardson, the son of Carl and Julia (Wilbur) Edwardson, was born on December 12, 1937 on the family farm north of Sioux Rapids. As an infant, he was baptized, then later confirmed at the First Lutheran Church.

Growing up, Dennis attended school in Sioux Rapids and participated in many sports throughout high school. Dennis then attended Buena Vista College for one year on a football scholarship.

On June 7, 1959 Dennis was united in marriage to Sibyl Ball at the Baptist Church in Webb, Iowa. The couple was blessed with two children, Jeffrey and Todd. Dennis and Sibyl would later divorce.

Throughout his career, Dennis worked for Sioux Dairy, Spencer Foods, and sold cars and motorcycles. He owned and operated Den’s 66 Service for many years, where he fulfilled his passion for working with cars as a mechanic. Later, he worked for Simonsen Iron Works until he retired.

Dennis was an active member in the Sioux Rapids community. He attended First United Methodist Church, where he served as a member on the board. Additionally, Dennis served on the city council and volunteered with the local fire department for many years. During his time with the department, Dennis was known for his role in answering the call for emergencies and activating the fire alarm and the noon whistle.

Dennis loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and taking trips with friends. Dennis raced cars with his brothers, Doug and Dave. Later, he raced go carts with his sons and helped Jeff with his race cars. Dennis also enjoyed pheasant hunting and was a die-hard fan of the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers and the “Blue Oval.”

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Jeff (Lori) Edwardson of Spencer, Iowa and Todd (Jessica) Edwardson of Wever, Iowa; brother, David Edwardson of Ringsted, Iowa; sister, Darlene (Larry) Spiess of Alta, Iowa; grandchildren: Elise Fields-Edwardson of Ashland, Oregon; Tony Ault of Gillette, Wyoming; Ryan (Elise) Edwardson of Escanaba, Michigan; Tad Edwardson of Hannibal, Missouri; Tuck (Whitney) Edwardson, of Keokuk, Iowa; Sara Edwardson of Durham, North Carolina; Katie (Dakota) Wells of Donnellson, Iowa; Josh Edwardson of Spencer, Iowa; step-grandchildren Orion Mills and Liam Martin of Wever, Iowa; great-grandchildren: Sierra and Lily Fields; Opal and Opry Edwardson; Elliott Edwardson; extended family and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Julia Edwardson; sister, Doris Lindlief; and brothers, Donald and Douglas Edwardson.

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