Dennis Ray Meldrem, 24 Nov 1946 - 18 Aug 2013

MELDREM, GUYER, PURVIS, WILHELM, WANDERS, BLANKE, VERSTEEGT, DAVIS

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 12/19/2013 at 15:10:30

Meldrem, Dennis

Dennis Ray Meldrem

(November 24, 1946 - August 18, 2013)
Dennis Meldrem, 66 of Deep River passed away Sunday, August 18, 2013 at his home in Deep River after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at the Community Hope Church in Montezuma. Burial will be held in the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma. Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma with the family present from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Deep River Fire Department, Montezuma Fire Department or the Brooklyn Fire Department.

Dennis Ray Meldrem, son of Kenneth and Della (Guyer) Meldrem, was born on Novemeber 24, 1946 in Montezuma, Iowa. He grew up on the farm, instilling the values of hard work and dedication along the way. Denny attended Tri-County Community Schools and graduated in 1964. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country bravely through Vietnam.

Upon returning home, he married Joyce Purvis on February 22, 1969 in Guernsey, Iowa. From this date on, they began their lifelong journey together. Through thick and thin, the highs and the lows, they never left each other's side. Denny spent 43 years of his life working for Bushong Construction. While not working, Denny spent his time in the company of family and friends. He enjoyed golfing, camping, attending the Iowa State Fair, and playing cards. He was an avid supporter of his grandkids' sports activities and loved taking Giz on golf cart rides. Denny was a member of the Deep River American Legion and the Deep River Volunteer Fire Department, both of which he was active in for many years.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents.

Left to cherish Denny's memory are his wife, Joyce Meldrem of Deep River; his son Troy (Beth) Meldrem of Brooklyn; his daughters, Tami (Bob) Wilhelm of Deep River and Tonya (Brandon) Wanders of Deep River; his grandchildren, Tanner and Spencer Meldrem, Dillon and Eli Wilhelm, Keira Blanke and Kalynn Wanders; his sisters, Erma VerSteegt of Montezuma and Evelyn Davis of Grinnell; his brothers, Larry (Harriet) Meldrem of Waukee and Jack (Jane) Meldrem of Wardsville, MO, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends, and his best buddy, GIZMO.

Holland Coble Funeral Home
The Gazette 20 Aug 2013
[Dennis spent much time in Iowa County while working for Bushong Construction]