Dennis M. Echelberger

Dennis M. Echelberger, 80, of Otho, IA, died Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge.  Services will be held at a later date.  Inurnment will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA at a later date.   Memorials may be directed to the family.   Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge.

Dennis was born January 12, 1943, in Fort Dodge, the son of Lyle and Florence (Chalstrom) Echelberger.  He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1960.  On August 19, 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on August 20, 1966.   On October 8, 1966, he was united in marriage to Shriley J. Hayes at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge.  For 45 years, Dennis did custodial work for both Otho Elementary and Cooper Elementary Schools until his retirement in 2008.  Dennis enjoyed yard work, gardening, tending to his flower beds, going to the races, thrift store shopping & garage sales, polishing up his brass & copper finds, and adding to his ever-growing solar light collection.  He also enjoyed chili and frosty’s from Wendy’s as well as eating at Taco Tico.  He was a member of the VFW and recently took the honor flight to DC.  Dennis will be deeply missed.

Dennis is survived by 3 children:  Scott Echelberger of Otho, Jennifer Echelberger of Otho and Todd Echelberger of Fort Dodge; 2 grandchildren:  Keaton Echelberger of Fort Dodge and Keeley Degner of Fort Dodge; and his dog “Abby”.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife:  Shirley Echelberger in 2021; and 3 brothers:  Gary, Darwyn and Gayland Echelberger.