Dennis Lee Hanson

Dennis Lee Hanson was born March 28, 1944, in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Harris and Lois Hanson of Dayton and entered into Glory on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, following a lengthy illness. Dennis is survived by his daughter Sara (Patrick) Grochowicz, three grandchildren, Ava, Keely, and Hunter Grochowicz of Tacoma, Washington and two sisters Cheryl (Tim) Strandberg of Dayton and Priscilla Kruse of Minnetrista, Minnesota and 6 nieces and nephews who have been blessed by his optimism, good humor, and generous spirit.

Dennis is a graduate of Dayton High School and received a Bachelor's of Science from Arizona State University in 1967. Following military service during the Viet Nam War, Dennis was owner operator of a local nursery specializing in bedding plants. For the last 20 years of his career, he served his community as a horticulturist at the Botanical Center in Des Moines as well as tending the City of Des Moines' Rose Gardens through the Parks Department. One of his favorite duties was teaching school children who visited on field trips about growing plants. Dennis' love of flowers and photography took him to London, China, Japan, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates where he received international recognition for his exquisite photography through projects with an outstanding team of professionals from the Botanical Center whom he respected and admired.

Dennis loved rodeos, horses, calf roping, good food, the newest gadgets, daydreaming remarkable schemes, and funny stories. He never met a person he didn't like and was well loved by all. Dennis served his family with his optimism, faith and loyalty. He was there for everyone, giving what he had and sharing what he knew with a smile and ready wit. He encouraged us every day, was loved in return and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Harris and Lois Hanson of Dayton.

A service honoring Dennis' life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 23, at the Dayton United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Karen Young and Pastor Glen Hanson officiating. Burial will be at the Dayton Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Dayton United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.