Dennis Sweitzer
July 3, 1966 ~ July 18, 2010
Dennis C. Sweitzer, age 44, of New Hampton, Iowa, died on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family.
Dennis Clyde Sweitzer was born on July 3, 1966 to Gary and June (Hovick) Sweitzer in New Hampton, Iowa. He attended New Hampton Public Schools and was a 1985 graduate of New Hampton High School. After graduating Dennis enlisted in the United States Army in 1985. He was stationed in New Ulm, Germany until his honorable discharge in 1987. Dennis went on to attend North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa, majoring in Mechanical Design Technology. Upon graduation from college in 1990 Dennis worked as a draftsman for Seebees in Hampton until 2003. He then worked for companies such as, Woodharbor in Mason City and Northwood, New Hampton Metal Fabrication, Universal Industries in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and most recently, TriMark in New Hampton. On January 31, 2009 Dennis was united in marriage to Donita (Hook) Landers. Dennis was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton. He served as Chair of Long-Range Planning at Trinity Lutheran. Dennis was also a member of a small group Bible study in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and the bowling league in New Hampton. Dennis enjoyed boating, snorkeling, fishing, watching ballgames, and visiting with family and friends. He loved spending time at Clear Lake, eating ice cream and lasagna. Dennis was active in the church, he had a strong faith and loved going to Klunders Kafe on Sundays after church.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Donita of New Hampton, Iowa; three stepsons, Trevor Landers of Waverly, Iowa, Karch Landers of New Hampton, and Judd Landers of New Hampton; his mother, June Sweitzer of New Hampton; one brother, John (Beth) Sweitzer of Mason City; one sister, Carol (David) Hauser of New Hampton; two nephews Hayden and Gatlin Hauser of New Hampton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Art and Dorothy Hook of Charles City, Iowa, brothers-in-law, Bruce (Chris) Eldridge of Charles City, Iowa, Lynn (Julie) Eldridge of Iowa City, Iowa, Doug Hook of Dallas, Texas, and Dodd Hook of Bend, Oregon; sisters-in-law, Kay (Joe) Fahl of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Darla (Matt) McGettigan of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Sweitzer in 2008; paternal grandparents, Clyde and Grace Sweitzer; and maternal grandparents John and Ozelle Hovick.
Memorials:
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Cemetery:
Burial will be in New Hampton Cemetery at New Hampton. Military rites will be provided by New Hamptons VFW Post #5238 and American Legion Post # 38.
Visitation:
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 22, 2010 from 3:00-8:00pm at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Service:
Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday, July 23, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Reverend Daniel Christensen officiating.
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Donita and family-We are so sorry to hear about Dennys death. He has been through so much, and still kept his positive outlook on life. He truly loved you all so much. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of Dennys family. He was always such a positive person, with a smile on his face. Know that he was welcomed to Gods heavenly kingdom and is no longer suffering. Hold all your memories close to your hearts, they will help ease your pain. God bless you.
So sorry to hear about Denny. You have many great memories to cherish forever.
Sweitzer and Hauser family, We were saddened to hear about your loss. Dennys contagious smile will forever be remembered as well as his courageous fight! May you find peace and comfort in your faith, family, and friends as you get through these difficult days ahead. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! Angie and Doug
Donita boys, I just learned of your husbands passing today, unaware that he had been sick. My family is so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family. Chad, Marianne (Squires), Sean, Cain, Will Nielsen
Donita family,and the Sweitzer famly Heaven is now a better place. Sorry to hear of your loss. We have many fun memories of Denny and his friends.
Donita and boys, sorry to hear about Denny passing away. He was a great guy!! Keep those special memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donita and boys Sincere sympathy to you on Dennys passing. Please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of many at this time.
Donita and family we are sorry to hear of your loss. Denny was a great person. The Class Of 1985 and everyone who knew him, will miss him dearly. God bless. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Donita and Family, Just a quick note to let you know, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the great memories you have created over that past couple of years. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers, Jamie
Donita and family, we were so very sorry to hear of Dennys passing. You are all in our prayers, always remember the good times you had together. We are sure he is no longer in pain, and is busy watching over you! May you find comfort and peace in your memories, and the memories of Denny from others.
Donita and familyWe are so sorry for your loss. You found great happiness and now it has been taken away. May the pain ease daily and keep the fond memories. Take care. Diane and Todd
Donita and Family~ My deepest sympathy to you all! Denny was a true fighter and an amazing man. Our class (1985)lost a great guy who will be missed by all. Heaven is a better place. May his final resting place be one in peace!
Donita and the Sweitzer Family- Just wanted to let you know my family and I are thinking about all of you. The way Dennis lived his life to its fullest is an example for all! We are sorry we will be unable to attend the services as we are scheduled to have our baby on Wed. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Jeff, Jenny, Easton Monteith
Donita, and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Denny was a true fighter. He was a great guy and he will be missed.
Donita, boys and family, Please know that we are thinking of you in this time of loss. Dennis was a great person and we are glad we got to know him. It was always a joy to see his smile. Please remember we are just down the road and if you ever need anything please do not hesitate to call, even if you dont need anything) Take care and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donita, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. I hope the joy of your memories can help ease the sorrow of his passing. May you feel Gods love and comfort at this time.
Hey, Buddy, Im sure going to miss our visits and phone calls!!! You asked me the first time we met if we were going to become best friends and I have to say we certainly did. You won me over that very first day with your awesome sense of humor and caring attitude. Its been a real pleasure getting to know you and your family. Were all really going to miss you, but we have some wonderful memories of the time we spent together. Grant.
I am so sorry. Dennis positive outlook and smile will be greatly missed. Our family will be praying for your family in this difficult time.
June, Carol, John and to Dennys family I am so sorry to hear about your loss. What a fighter he was. I remember all the fun times we had as children living beside each other. Cherish all the wonderful memories that you have. May God help you through this very difficult time. God bless.
June, carol, John, I am sorry hear about Dennis.He was very friendly person and he made everybody laugh.He is in rest he does have no more pain and he is going to be missed by alot of people. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!! Brenda Rick
Know that many of us are thinking of you at this time of sorry. I have always enjoyed talking to Dennis when he was young and again when he had grown into such a fine man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dennys kind heart, positive attitude, and courage is an inspirational lesson for all of us. 9
So sorry to hear about Denny. We lived in Mason City the same years. He was always just the kindest person to be around and always smiling. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear Dennis lost his battle with cancer – please know that my prayers (along with many Women of Today from Iowa and around the country) are with you, Carol, and your family at this difficult time!
Sorry to hear about Denny. I know hell be missed by many.
Sweitzer family Donita – so sorry to hear about Denny. Hes going to be greatly missed! Please let us know if you need anything!
Sweitzer Family, So sorry for your loss. Dennis was a special person and we enjoyed his visits over the years. We will miss his witty humor and great smile. God Bless You All!!!
Sweitzer Family, Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you at this time of sorrow. Denny was a great cancer survivor and fought to the very end. He was a great man and will be remembered always.
We are so sorry to hear of Dennys passing. He lived bravely, with kindness, and had so much love surrounding him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We were so sorry to hear about Dennis. He was truly a fighter and he was a very possitive person.I am very honered that I got to know Dennis, he always had a smile and a kind word to say no matter how bad he might of felt on that day. I know he loved Snicker bars so when ever June would come in I always made sure she took one to him, just so he would know we were all praying for him. Dennis will truly be missed in this town. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. God Bless you all) the Wilker family, Roger, Lisa, Cody, Dylon and Zachary
We were so sorry to hear about Dennys passing. He put up such a good fight! We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully all those great times and memories can help you through your grief.
We would like to express our sympathy to Dennys family. A person never knows the cards we will be dealt before we leave here and enter eternal rest. I will always remember seeing Denny and Donita holding hands walking across the playground one day smiling at each other and laughing together. Keep those happy memories close to your heart as you carry on like Denny would want you to. Dixie Zeien
Donita and boys, Im so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donita and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I would like to come to visitation on Thursday not sure if I can or not, we have family here from out of state but going to try. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Eileen and Craig
Donita, Mrs. Sweitzer, John, Carol, and the rest of the family. We are so sorry to hear that Denny was taken from us at such a young age. It was great to have Denny as a friend for over 20 years. We will really miss seeing that big smile that he always welcomed us with. MAN, I WILL REALLY MISS HIS POSITIVE ATTITUDE! Thoughts and prays. Danny, Kim and the Rick family
Our sincere sympathy to Dennys entire family. We hope you can find some comfort in all of the beautiful memories you have of such a wonderful man.
Our thoughts and prayers to you all from Colorado. We knew of Denny only through our daughter Emily who had the privilage of getting to know him and your family these past few months. What a blessing you were to each other. God bless.
You have our deepest sympathy. Wish we could come to the service.But Glen thinks it is to far for us.But our thoughts and prayers will be with you.He was so helpful when Beth and John got married.He will be missed.
Denny, I will always remember you!!
Donita Boys, June, John and Carol, What a joy to have Denny as a friend. From college roommates, to Canada fishing trips, phone calls with his contagious laughter, and always a smile. These memories are forever. My family and I will miss him greatly and wish you all the strength of Gods love in this difficult time. Ted, Wendy, Anna and Abby
Donita Family, My aunt, Hazel Hereid, from New Hampton, called today to get Moms phone # as she was recently in the hospital for a fall nursing home. She told me of your husbands death. We are so very sorry for your loss. What a tragedy to lose life so young. My brother, Pete, died recently in a snowmobile accident, so we can sympathize with your pain. We pray that time, Gods grace, memories, familyfriends will all help you heal. Though distance years have separated us from growing up in CC, you are still in my thoughts prayers.
Donita family You have our deepest sympathy in the passing of Denny. Cherish the memories that you have together and hold them close to your heart in the tough days ahead. Youre in our thoughts and prayers.
Donita and boys, So sorry to hear about your husband and step-fathers passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lynn
You have our deepest sympathy at this sad time in your lives. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Gary Julie, Chris, Debbie Emily
Dear entire family of Denny, Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy is sent out to all of you. I always called Denny “my angel” and he certainly is my angel now still looking over us all. We loved Denny and admired him so much for his bravery and good attitude about life. He was very brave to the end and a true soldier. We will miss him dearly. Rolland Mary Miles
Dear June and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a loved one. Take comfort in knowing that he and Gary are watching you from above.
Denny you will always be remembered by the class of 1985.
Donita and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to meet Denny through Mike Miles. He was such a kind-hearted man with such a positive attitude. I only wish I could have known him longer. My prayers are with you. Carrie family
Donita and family~Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Lynn and Kim Hopp boys
My deepest sympathy goes out to Dennys entire family. I feel privileged to have had his friendship as long as I did. We had many great times together, including fun trips to Jamaica and Mexico. We also shared a true love for hanging out at the Surf Ballroom and Clear Lake. I will always cherish those memories. My Mom was right when she referred to him as “The Angel” because he always tried to look out for my friends and me. Now he is a true angel and I feel that he will continue to do the same. I loved the guy and will miss himbut I will never forget him. Mike Miles
My prayers are with you.
The world has lost a great man, but Heaven has added a very special member to its family. As you mourn the loss of your loved one and celebrate the love and laughter that he brought to your lives, know that there are many who support you during this time. With love, prayers and sympathy.
We are so sorry to hear the news of Dennys passing. He was a great man who touched the lives of many. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dennis, you were one of the sweetest guys I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I will remember you as having a smile the lit up the hallways of NH High. Your legacy of sweetness and kindness will continue to live on! My deepest sympathies to your family and friends as they grieve your passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Denny was a tremendous person, and put up a courageous battle. He was a very kind soul and will be greatly missed. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donita, so sorry to hear of Dennys death. I am glad you had what time you did with the man of your dreams but so sorry it was cut so short. Thinking of you and your family at this time.
We are so sorry to learn about Dennys illness and passing. He was a bright light at NHHS and beyond. Our prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear the loss of someone so young! Our thoughts are with you may the good memories get you through this difficult time!
John, So sorry to hear of your brothers passing. I was just thinking of him a few days before that, then was out of town last week. I came back to work to hear of his news. You have my deepest sympathy. Kevin
Denny always had a smile on his face and something funny to say. My thoughts are with you and your family. Rest in peace.