Dennis R. Maxwell

November 8, 1947 - June 10, 2015

Dennis Ray Maxwell was born on November 8, 1947, to Gerald and Reba Maxwell in Griswold, Iowa. He passed away at the age of 67, on June 10, 2015, at Circle of Life Hospice.

Dennis and his brothers, Doug and Dallas, were raised in Villisca. He graduated from Villisca High School in 1966. Dennis then went on to receive his B.S. in Animal Sciences from Iowa State University in 1970. Four years later, Dennis completed his Masters degree. Dennis was drafted in the United States Army and served his country from 1971 until 1973.

Dennis met Linda Clemens during an auction at the Humeston Sale Barn in 1975. The couple was united in marriage on May 22, 1976. To this union two children were born, Kim and Bret. Dennis and Linda raised their children just outside of Chariton, Iowa.

Dennis was the Decatur County Extension Director for a year. He then managed the feed lot and beef cattle herd for the Iowa State University McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm in Lucas County from 1975 until 2010. Dennis really enjoyed his work. He loved the outdoors, farming, and horses. He would have loved to have been a cowboy in the 1800’s.

He was a man of few words, but his family knew that he cherished them. He was a coach, a mentor, and a cheerleader for his children. Dennis and Linda were also blessed with twin granddaughters, Alexis and Kinzie. Dennis was a proud grandfather and enjoyed every minute spent with his girls.

Dennis was survived by his mother, Reba Maxwell of Villisca; his wife, Linda Maxwell; his children: Kim Maxwell of Van Meter and Bret (Kim) Maxwell of Adel; twin granddaughters: Alexis and Kinzie; and brothers: Doug (Shirley) Maxwell and Dallas (Gail) Maxwell; along with many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Maxwell.

Services for Dennis were held on Friday, June 19, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. A Celebration of Life followed from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Lucas County Fairgrounds where the Lucas County Cattlemen’s Association provided a meal.

Memorials were requested for cancer research.

This obituary was posted on the website of Pierschbacher Funeral Homes.