Klingensmith, Dennis "Denny" R. 1960-2024

KLINGENSMITH, GARDNER, ANDERSON, WEISS, RAFFETY, TABER, BROUWER, MILLER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/22/2024 at 11:17:35

Dennis "Denny" R Klingensmith
June 15, 1960 ~ August 17, 2024 (age 64)

Dennis “Denny” Ray Klingensmith, 64, of Newton died on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at MercyOne Des Moines. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Newton High School Upper Gymnasium. The family will greet friends after the service at the school. Everyone is encouraged to wear Newton Cardinal, Iowa Hawkeye, or Patriotic clothing. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Newton Booster Club or to an Animal Rescue League of the Donor’s Choice may be left at the school the night of the service or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Denny, the son of Forrest and Betty (Gardner) Klingensmith, was born on June 15, 1960 in Newton. Denny was a Cardinal from day one; graduating from Newton High School in 1978. After high school, Denny served his country in the U.S. Army from August 11, 1978 until his discharge on August 5, 1982. Upon returning from the service, Denny heard about a maintenance job opening at the Newton School District. He was hired in March of 1983 and was a proud employee for 36 years, retiring in the fall of 2019. He began at Newton High School and in 1988 went to Thomas Jefferson. On July 23, 1983, Denny was united in marriage with Lori Anderson at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. Denny would later be asked by the Athletic Director to take on the role of Event Manager at H.A. Lynn Field in addition to his work at TJ. For many years Denny worked tirelessly to prepare and work at all the events that would take place there. He had so much pride in the stadium, making sure it was ready for everyone that competed there or walked through the gates. Denny was always more than just an employee, going above and beyond and exemplifying “Red Pride” in everything that he did. At the time of his retirement, Denny was honored by multiple groups including the Booster Club and Newton Community Education Foundation for his dedication to the district for so many years.

Outside of work Denny was a loving and devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and friend. As his kids were growing up, Denny and Lori never missed an event. Denny enjoyed coaching and he loved taking the family to Newton away games and to go cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Even at home, sporting events were normally on the TV and Denny would always cheer for professional teams that had a lot of Iowa kids on them. He also liked going to the casino, fishing, and going on weekend getaways with friends, Buddy and Sandy Cupples. For several years, Denny and his sons helped the Dodd’s at the Iowa Speedway. Denny always had a love for animals, but following the death of his son, Ryan, in 2016, he found happiness in helping out the local animal rescue league by donating food and supplies.

Those left to honor Denny’s legacy are his wife, Lori Klingensmith of Newton; children, Cory (Ashlynn) Klingensmith of Newton and Kelly (Dylan) Weiss of Hanlontown; grandchildren, Julian and Riley Klingensmith, Baby Ellie Klingensmith on the way; and Harley Weiss; his sisters, Judy (Dean) Raffety of Newton, Bev Taber of Newton, and Jeanne (Rod) Brouwer of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Ryan Klingensmith; brother, Nick Klingensmith; and two nephews, Jay Taber and Josh Miller.

FOREVER A CARDINAL

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Services
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Wednesday
August 28, 2024
5:00 PM
Newton Community High School
800 E 4th St S
Newton, IA 50208
Send Flowers to Dennis "Denny" R Klingensmith's Memorial Service
Guaranteed delivery before the Memorial Service begins ~ The Wallace Family Funeral Home, Newton, Iowa 17 Aug 2024.