Dennis William Alfermann Sr.

Dennis "Denny" Alfermann Sr, 85, of Washington MO passed away at his home Sunday, October 5th, 2025 surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Barbara Alfermann (nee' Toben) of Washington, four children: Dena Schmitt (Alan) of Washington, Jodi Alfermann of St. Louis, Denny Alfermann Jr. of Washington, and Brian Alfermann (Jessica) of Newton, MA, six grandchildren: Adam Schmitt (Amber), Zachary Schmitt (fiancée Abigail McNew), Clara Alfermann, Nora Alfermann, Hanna Alfermann, and Hugo Alfermann; two great grandchildren: Kynleigh Schmitt and Leighton Schmitt; one sister, Kathy Eikermann (Don) of McKinney, TX, sister-in-law, Barb Alfermann of Washington, brother-in-law Gus Garbs of Washington; along with nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Clara (nee' Peopsel) Alfermann; 5 siblings; Rose (Roy) Miller, Geneieve Garbs, Francis "Sonny" (Mary Alice) Alfermann, Ruth Ann (Wayne) Schriewer, Richard Alfermann. In-Laws Elmer and Edith (nee' Kriete) Toben, sister-in-law Marline (John) Boland.
Dennis was born in Washington, MO to Rudolph and Clara (nee' Poepsel) Alfermann. He was the fifth of seven children and grew up in Washington. He attended St. Francis Borgia Grade and High School and was a life long member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church. As a child he spent his summers in Augusta on the Poepsel farm and as a teenager he lived and worked on the Struckhoff farm west of Washington. After high school he briefly attended Southeast Missouri State before serving 2 years in the US Army. His time in the service was unexpectedly extended due to the raising of the Berlin Wall. After his time in the service, he returned home and married his better half Barbara. Two daughters Dena and Jodi were soon added to their family, 5 years later a son Denny Jr. was born and then 11 years later their family was complete with the arrival of Brian. Dennis and Barb enjoyed their family's early years living on Cedar St.
Dennis started his career as a truck driver and salesman for E.H. Toben Falstaff Distributor working for his father in law. He enjoyed connecting with the owners and patrons of the establishments where he delivered. He then spent two decades working for Yellow Freight driving in the city of St. Louis. He was so well liked he was the only city driver that had an air conditioned tractor. But it was his role as a father, grandfather and great grandfather that brought him the most pride and joy. He loved his family deeply especially his wife Barb. In their early years Dennis and Barb spent weekends at the Toben clubhouse on the Bourbeuse river with family and friends.
As their family grew they enjoyed many hours on the sidelines and bleachers watching their children and grandchildren play basketball, volleyball, soccer, running cross country and cycling. They enjoyed family vacations over the years; trout fishing in Bennett Springs, "Tent City" at Memory Lake, the beach at Gulf Shores and Kiawah Island, and exploring the cities of Nashville and Boston. After their retirement they traveled with their many friends to Alaska, Canada, Mexico and Hawaii, throughly enjoying this time after so many years of hard work.
Dennis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Known for his warm personality and outgoing spirit he never met a stranger. His friendly nature and ability to strike up a conversation with anyone made him a cherished friend and neighbor to many. Dennis enjoyed running errands around town so he could catch up with old friends and meet new ones. After his retirement, his weekly coffees with "The Guys" was a cherished activity that he tried never to miss. He enjoyed volunteering at church soup nights and worked on the Borgia Cemetery Restoration Crew. Dennis had a strong passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed spending hours in his yard paying close attention to each detail. He spent many years helping to control Missouri's white tail deer population with his close friends.
He was also a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1121 and B.P.O. Elks 1559.
Dennis's legacy is one of kindness, connection and devotion to those he loved. He and his robust laugh will be dearly missed.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday October 9, 2025 at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Washington, MO with Rev. Timothy Henderson officiating. A reception will follow in Jesuit Hall. Internment with military honors will be held privately in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Francis Borgia Cemetery Fund or to St. Francis Borgia High School.
The Alfermann family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO.