Dennis Field

Dennis Field, 70, died at his home on March 13, 2026. The consummate overachiever, he was diagnosed with the extremely rare combination of Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and fought a valiant battle against both.

Dennis was born in Mason City, Iowa, and spent his early years on the family farm with his mom Doris, his Gramps, Aunt Mim, Uncle Gail, and four cousins: Bruce, Peter, Martha, and David - a time which created an unbreakable family bond. Descended from a line of teachers, education was extremely important to Dennis. He earned not only a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University, but a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Statistics from ISU, and his PhD in Industrial Education and Technology in 1997. After that he was forbidden by his wife to pursue any other educational opportunities other than a cooking class, though it is rumored that he was six credits away from another master's degree from the University of Kentucky. Dennis excelled in both the private sector and academic careers, working in Germany, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kentucky, where he retired as a full Professor at Eastern Kentucky University and was given the title of Professor Emeritus shortly after.

Dennis was an incredible man who hated attention and didn't think he needed an obituary, which is why his family is so pleased to offer such a long statement about his life and impact. He was quiet, but his words mattered, and he had a sly sense of humor that always presented itself at the perfect time. His consistent calming presence and humble nature were both a necessary anchor and incredibly annoying for his wife and children. He was grateful for all visits from family and friends, smart talk, Dutch letter pastries, a Friday night Old-Fashioned, and Crank & Boom ice cream. As a husband and a father, Dennis set an incredibly high standard for any other potential husbands and fathers who may join the family in the future. He would show up for anything and everything important to his children, even if he had no idea what he was walking into. He had an uncanny ability to say "make good choices" exactly when his children were, hypothetically, about to make a bad one, and they will try to carry that advice with them every day.

Dennis is welcomed into heaven by his daughter, Grace Hannah; mother, Doris; aunts, Mim (Gail) Bailey, Lois (Wayne) Northway; and mother-in-law, Marilyn (Jack) Blasingame.

Leaving behind to talk about him include his wife, Susan; children, Kate, Matt, and Julia; and many family and friends.

A private family ceremony will be held at a later date. He continues to contribute to the world of academic research by donating his brain to the National Institute of Health's Brain Donor program at the University of Miami to help obliterate ALS and other neurological diseases.

Team Gleason was instrumental in helping Dennis and his family during his battle with ALS with essential equipment and support at no cost, and Dennis has requested that any donations be made to Team Gleason or the Michael J Fox Foundation.

Care Cremation and Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with final care.