Dennis Everett Heisdorffer, 83

HEDRICK-Dennis Everett Heisdorffer, 83, of rural Hedrick, died at 5:09 p.m. December 18, 2023 at home.

He was born February 13, 1940 at home near Clear Creek in Keokuk County, IA to Everett Henry and Mary Anita Weber Heisdorffer.  Dennis married Joanne Gries on July 21, 1962.

A 1958 graduate of Hedrick High School, Dennis farmed since age 14 as farming was in his soul.  He worked at John Morrell & Co. for 14 years until the plant closed.  Dennis owned and operated DDNJ Farms.  He raised livestock and enjoyed gardening and tinkering in his shop.  He served on the Farm Credit Board, was a Highland Center Township trustee for many years and worked in crop insurance.  He was also a member of Poppin’ Johnnies and Farm Bureau.

Dennis was a member of St. Mary of the Visitation and served on the church council.  He enjoyed card games, especially playing Pitch.

Surviving is his wife, Joanne; their children, Denise Heisdorffer (Stephen) Peterson of Urbandale and Nicholas Everett (Marsha Dorhout) Heisdorffer of Clive; 4 grandchildren, Ian Everett Heisdorffer (fiancé, Collin Wientjes), Mackenzie Ann (Taylor) Greiner, Michael Victor (Kimberly) Peterson and Claire Nicole Peterson (fiancé Dane Beery); 2 great-grandchildren, Finn Scott Greiner and Rollins Everett Greiner; a sister, Marlene Beadle of Albia; a brother, Duane Heisdorffer of Hedrick; a sister-in-law, Carla Heisdorffer Cetti; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Leland Heisdorffer and Gary Heisdorffer; a sister, Karen Blomme; 2 brothers-in-law, Paul Beadle and Larry Blomme; and sister-in-law, Sheri Heisdorffer.

Visitation was open at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 21st at Reece Funeral Home.  A Christian Wake was held at 4 p.m. followed by the family greeting friends until 6 p.m. Thursday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, December 22nd at St. Mary of the Visitation with Father Joseph Sia presiding.  Burial will be in McCormick Cemetery near Highland Center.

Memorials may be made to Tori’s Angels, a charity that covers medical expenses for children.