Dennis Parmenter

1950 - 2020

Dennis Parmenter

Cambridge, Iowa - Local attorney Dennis Parmenter passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020, in Des Moines.

Dennis was born in Des Moines on December 27, 1950, to Paul "Henry" and Kathryn "Bonnie" (Ault) Parmenter, and he was raised by his father and stepmother Sandra (Sorenson) Parmenter after his mother's death. He graduated from North Polk High School and went on to study political science at Iowa State University before getting his law degree from Drake University. He was a proud alumnus of all three, but his Cyclone pride was a defining feature, which he shared with his wife, kids, and grandkids. He had football season tickets for 50+ years until the pandemic interrupted his streak.

He married his high school sweetheart Kathy Houge while he was in college. They were blessed to celebrate 50 years of marriage in October, 2020. He was a proud dad and grandpa. He cheered on his three daughters, Traci (Brian) Kirtley, Kelly (Tony) Sievers, and Elizabeth "Libby" (Taz) Wagner through all of their accomplishments (and not accomplishments). He also served as unofficial coach to his grandchildren, Hope, Blake, and Trey Sievers; Devon Kirtley; and Zavier Wagner. People often say their family is the most important thing to them, but Dennis showed this was true for him daily. When he was a child, he helped take care of his siblings, and his role of caregiver lasted the rest of his life.

Dennis served his community in so many ways. Owing to his strong Christian Faith, he was an active member and leader within his church. He worked as an Assistant Story County Attorney and started his own law practice in Huxley in 1979. He served as mayor of Huxley and in the Iowa House of Representatives. He loved to argue politics and was active with the Democratic Party. He was a member of the Iowa State and Story County Bar Associations, board member of the ACLU, coached Iowa State mock trial teams, and was a member of many other local organizations. He embodied hard work, generosity, and the lifelong quest for knowledge.

He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; stepmother; brothers, John Henry and Roy; sister, Kathy (Jim) Warrington; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Mark; his mother-in-law, Martha and his father-in-law, Irvin Houge; his brother-in-law, Jim; and his nephew, George.

There are no services planned at this time. The family plans to have a memorial service in the spring or summer of 2021.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Soderstrum Funeral Home in Slater and online condolences may be left to Dennis' family at www.adamssoderstrum.com. Memorial gifts can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Huxley or Legal Aid Society of Story County in Nevada, Iowa.