In loving memory of

Dennis D. McLaughlin

November 6, 1942 - January 19, 2019
From: Lake View, IA
Dennis D. McLaughlin

Dennis D. McLaughlin

Born: November 6, 1942
Died: January 19, 2019
Age: 76
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Dennis Dean McLaughlin, age 76, of Lake View, IA, passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, IA.  Dennis was born on November 6, 1942, in Storm Lake, IA, to Lester Eugene “Red” McLaughlin and Henrietta (Fischer) McLaughlin.  He was baptized on April 18, 1943, at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake.  Dennis attended Storm Lake Public Schools graduating with the class of 1961.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Buena Vista College on August 21, 1965.         

   Dennis was united in marriage to Annette Lee Dean on December 27, 1964, at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake.  This union was blessed with a daughter, Denise, and a son, Dennis Lee. He was divorced in May 1971. Dennis later married Leanne (Smith) Wells; they also divorced.

   Dennis lived life to the fullest; he loved gardening, fishing, bird watching, and grilling.  He enjoyed watching football and NASCAR races (on two TV’s at a time) drinking his brew of choice, Budweiser, while he cheered on the Chicago Bears or his favorite drivers Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr.  He was the owner/operator of The Court Room, The Woman Shop, and The Lollipop Tree, all retail clothing stores in Storm Lake and Carroll. Dennis also worked as a chef at Lakewood Ballroom and Putt’s Hideaway. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dennis will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
   Survivors include his daughter, Denise (Dennis) Werkmeister of Lake View; grandchildren: Jesse Werkmeister of Sac City, Dakota Werkmeister of Sac City, Sierra Werkmeister of Spencer, Melanie (Jeff) Ross of Lake View, Angela (Joe) Arbegast of Lake View, Paul Werkmeister of Lake View, and Shauna (Andy) McGowan of Carroll; great-grandchildren: Payton Mohr, Reese Werkmeister, Jayden Block, Wyatte and Lillianna Blackford, Shelby and Andrea Ross, Amber, Rheanna, Dawsyn, Ashlyn, and Caden Arbegast, Shane, Sunny, Mickey, and Ronan McGowan; and great-great grandson Jaxtyn King.  Other survivors include his sisters: Ardis (Henry) Gadeken of Lincoln, NE, and Joy Phillips of Bella Vista, AR; his first wife, Annette; several nieces, nephews, extended family members; and his best friend through the years, Dana Boom of Lake View.

   Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Geraldine Eugenia White and Mona Rae Kinney; his son Dennis Lee McLaughlin; nephew Edward Alvarado; second wife Leanne Skillman; and great-grandchild Tyler Ross.

SERVICES
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m., Saturday
January 26, 2019
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Sac City, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Reverend Roger Carlisle
VISITATION
1 Hour Prior to Service
9:30-10:30 a.m., Saturday
January 26, 2019
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Sac City, Iowa
INTERMENT
Cory Grove Cemetery
Sac City, Iowa

Condolences

Friday, April 18, 2025 at 3:18 PM
“I knew Dennis in 1970 working at JCP in Englewood CO. He was Department Manager up stairs I was selling shoes. Ge was buds with Ed Schroeder My boss. Two years in a row about ten of us went camping over memorial weekend. Also lot of nights at the Zuider Zee after work having a few beers. I am the person that flew Dennis back to Storm Lake in November 70 I believe to meet with his Financier about starting a Ladys Clothing Store. We stayed a few days and returned back to Denver. He eventually left Denver to open his store in Storm Lake. Im sorry to gear of his passing he was fun to be around back in my youth. ”
- Mike McWilliams
Friday, January 25, 2019 at 1:38 PM
“Dear Denise, I hope you know how much your Dad meant to us over the years. From the first day meeting at his garage sale back in 01 and he invited us in to see his A frame home which we really loved so much that we bought the A frame home right behind him. Over the years he and Dana have been more that friends, but family. I know in my heart his son Little Denny has meant him at Golden gate with open arms. May they rest in peace knowing they are loved and very missed. God bless.”
- Joy & Don Lafrentz
Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 1:53 AM
“So sorry Denise and family!! Dads are so special my heart and prayers go out to all of you!!! Give your Mom a hug from. Hugs 🤗 Betty Luckow u”
- Betty Luckow
Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 1:53 AM
“Dennis meant a lot to us as a great, kind, neighbor and friend. We truly appreciate his humor, his great stories, and his love and pride of his family. He was fun till the very end and will live on in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace with your son. Our souls are much richer having known you. Thank you and sincere condolences to his beautiful family. ”
- Chris, Gaige, and Noah
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 6:52 AM
“Dear Denise Our deepest sympathies from myself and Grayce in the loss of your father. Denny and I have been friends since 3rd grade in good old Storm Lake .Even thought we had lost contact once a friend always a friend. As it turns out we were on a fall cemetery run last Sept. and was going to Ida Grove via hwy 71 when we came to the junction for Ida Grove and Lakeview. I turned to go to Ida Gove ,went down several miles and turned around and went back to Lakeview saying to my wife lets see if Denny is around. We drove completely around the lake and were ready to give up when suddenly I said I think this is the house( we had stayed there years and years ago) .Sure enough I was walking up to the door and there was Denny waiting to greet me. He didn't recognize me at first with my sunglasses on but as I took them off he knew right away. He invited Grayce and I in and we had a wonderful conversation for and hour and a half. I don't know what made me turn around that day but how blessed we were to get together one last time. He will be missed by all and has left behind all of those wonderful memories we shared together. Ron Berg”
- ron berg
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 6:52 AM
“Denise and families,
I am so sorry for your loss and I send my deepest sympathies. Hugs to you all. ”
- Joani Boger
Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 8:22 AM
“Denise, Dennis was such a gentlemen, with a great since of humor. My condolences to you and your family.”
- Deb Fischer
Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 7:47 AM
“Denise...your Dad was awesome. Love you. ”
- Larry Raine
Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 7:47 AM
“Our deepest sympathy to your family at this time. Sending prayers from your neighbors, the Drilling family.”
- John & Teresa Drilling
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