Dennis Coenen

Dennis “Sparow” Godfrey Coenen was born on March 4, 1944, near Westphalia on the family farm to Melvin and Evelyn (Schechinger) Coenen. He was born prematurely, and after the doctor stabilized his mother, Dennis was kept warm in a small shoebox placed on the oven door and was fed through a pinhole in a glove. He was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith and received his education at Catholic schools. Following his schooling, he worked laying block for local masons. He later worked at the Harlan Pork Plant, where he truly loved the camaraderie of his coworkers, making lots of friends, and continued there until his well-deserved retirement.

On February 6, 1965, Dennis was united in marriage to Amy Oliver at a Catholic church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Laurie and Lynn. The family made their home in Harlan and later purchased an acreage east of town. Dennis farmed locally, a vocation he truly enjoyed. He raised Limousin cattle and Suffolk sheep.

In his younger years, Dennis was a member of the Shandos Car Club. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and took pleasure in seasonal hunting. Some of his favorite pastimes included watching country westerns. His true passion was tinkering with Farmall tractors. Dennis, Amy and other family members would camp at the Iowa State Fair for several weeks. The couple also loved traveling, especially to Mexico and going on cruises. Above all, Dennis treasured making memories with his grandchildren, especially giving them tractor rides.

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Dennis passed away at Avoca Specialty Care, at the age of 81 years, ten months, and 10 days. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Connie Hansen.

Dennis is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Amy Coenen; daughter, Laurie (Bill) Allen and Lynn (Rio) Coenen all of Harlan; four grandchildren: Chet Coenen (Jodie Calder), Cassie (Brad) Anderson, Jessica (Chase) Goodman and Evan Coenen (Jessica Borwick); three great-grandchildren: Daxton, Avery and Freya; siblings: Gail (Gorgene) Coenen, Mike (Cindy) Coenen, Robert (Deddra) Coenen, Carol (Tom) Gaul; and many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, also at the Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan with interment to follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery. Memorials donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital in memory of Dennis.