Kann, Dennis R.

KANN, PALMSTEIN, SCHILTZ

Posted By: Ruth Maring - VOLUNTEER
Date: 8/10/2009 at 13:03:16

Kann, Dennis R.

CEDAR RAPIDS – Dennis R. Kann, 59, of 6908 Amhurst Dr. SW, died early Friday at home of a brain tumor with his family at his bedside as he peacefully passed away.Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church by the Rev. Brenda L. Peconge of Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation at Teahen Funeral Home Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. and after 9 a.m. Tuesday at the church.Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Marie; son, Denny of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Karen Palmstein and husband, Eric, of Madison, Wis.; son, Kevin and wife, Laura, of Waterloo; daughter, Colleen, at home; sister, Connie Kann of Dyer, Ind; and many nieces and nephews.A source of much joy in his life was Buffy, a three-year-old Cavashon puppy and his constant companion.He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Richard (Dick) and Mary Colleen (Cokie) Kann, and stepmother Shirley Kann.Dennis was born March 25, 1950, in Hammond, Ind., grew up in Lansing, IL, and was graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. He married Marie Schiltz on May 22, 1971, at St. John Bosco Church in Hammond, Ind.Prior to moving to Cedar Rapids in 1995, the family lived for a number of years in Clinton.For more than 30 years, Dennis was highly respected in the field of industrial valve sales. His customers were also his valued friends; every Christmas he personally delivered pies to all of his clients.He started his own company, Heartland Valve and Automation, in Clinton and then was employed by the Schimberg Co. in Cedar Rapids. He was an owner and sales representative for Control-Tech, Inc., for the past seven years.Dennis was actively involved in his children's numerous activities and coached youth baseball and softball over many years. He was a passionate fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears.He was an uncommon common man, a beloved and loving son, husband, father and brother. He was a man of great faith who loved his family above all and cherished his countless friends.After suffering an unexpected seizure a little more than three years ago, Dennis was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. He accepted his fate and lived each day as a blessing. "It is what it is," he often said.Dennis never complained but was concerned always for others. He was a man of unusual compassion and kindness.He and his family were forever grateful for care given by Dr. Thomas Carlisle and his oncology team at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Their treatment gave Dennis three years of quality life.The family is also appreciative for the staff of Hospice Compassus who provided comfort over the last month. To the end, Dennis was pain free with a strong grip and caring eyes.His life and death are an example for us all.Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.Death date: July 10, 2009
Published in the Clinton Herald from 7/13/2009 - 7/15/2009