Arlys E. Denning

Arlys E. Denning of McGregor, Iowa, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 4, 2025 with her three sons by her side. Just three days earlier, she celebrated her 93rd birthday at the Great River Care Center surrounded by her immediate family.
Arlys was born on January 1, 1932 in Spring Grove, Minnesota to Paul and Florence (Carothers) Pagel. She lived in Bee, Minnesota until her family moved to McGregor, Iowa in 1940 to run the local creamery. She graduated from McGregor High School in 1950 and then attended the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On June 29, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart Dennis Denning at the First Congregational Church in McGregor. They were the first marriage to be held in the church after the original building burned down.
Arlys worked several years as a medical assistant at Dr. Pfeiffer's office, and later owned and operated a greenhouse out of their home in McGregor. She found her true calling when she started working at Mar-Mac Community School in 1975. As a teacher's aide, study hall supervisor, and principal's secretary, she loved making a difference in the students' lives and treating them all like her own children. Arlys was always the first one to greet the new teachers, made everyone feel welcomed, and never wanted anyone to feel left out.
Arlys is survived by her three sons: Robyn (Cathy) Denning of McGregor, Dana (Gina) Denning of Aurora, Colorado, and Brent (Laurie) Denning of Cedar Falls; eight grandchildren: Michelle (Kody) Asmus, Michael (Trisha) Denning, Nicholas (Lindsay) Denning, Brittany (Brian) Boselli, Kristan Denning, Brad Denning, Kyle (Margaret) Denning, and Taylor (Tannor) Wulf; eighteen great grandchildren: Paige Schmidt, Mason, Brady, and Decon Asmus, Grayson, Noah, Lillian, and Nathan Denning, Brysan, Brynlea, Brantly, Bodan, and Brixlan Boselli, Jacob, Gracie, and Samuel Denning, and Tatum and Tate Wulf; and sister-in-law Virginia Drahn. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Dennis Denning, her parents Paul and Florence Pagel, and her in-laws RJ "Bill" Denning, and Inez and George Sieglaff.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who were blessed to know her. The family extends special thanks to her caregivers at Great River Care Center and St. Croix Hospice.
Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm with a visitation from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in McGregor, Iowa with Rev. William Gentry as the officiant.
Inurnment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in McGregor, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Arlys' honor to Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Mar-Mac Rescue Squad and Mar-Mar Fire Department.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of McGregor, Iowa is assisting the family.