Dennis Gifford

KEOTA-Dennis Dean Gifford, age 84, of Keota, died Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington.

Dennis was born June 28, 1941, in Stanley, Wisconsin, the son of Simeon and Olga “Bobbie” (Larson) Gifford. His family moved to Charles City, Iowa when he was in 4th grade and he graduated from Charles City High School. On February 2, 1963, he married Laurel Immel at St. John Lutheran Church in Charles City. Dennis attended Trade School for Journeyman Machine Repair for Oliver Corp. and also for locksmith training. He was parts person for Tadlocks Parts and Service of Keota for 12 years. Then he was in sales and public relations for Des Moines Iron and Supply for 21 years, retiring in 2007, and was owner/operator of Dennis Gifford Locksmith business for 48 years. Dennis was a member of the United Church of Faith, where he served on Session and the Church Advisory Board. He was also a member of the Lions Club, where he served as President and other offices, the Iowa Locksmith Association, Wilson Library Board and volunteered with Hays Pure Water in Washington since 2007.

Survivors include his wife: Laurel of Keota; daughter: Crystal (E.J. Jones) Gifford of Blue Grass; granddaughter: Zoey Wroth; foster granddaughter: Christina Hulme; brothers-in-law: Jack (Muriel) Immel, Leroy Reuscher; sister-in-law: Virginia “Ginny” Giffordl nieces and nephews: Dan Ferch, Joyce Mead, Ron Gifford, Cindy (John) Van, Lorna Immel, Jay Immel, Anne (Jeff) Cheramy, Brian (Carolyn) Immel, and several great- nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Keith; brother: Les Gifford; two sisters: Diane Reuscher and one in infancy; 3 brothers- in-law and 2 sisters-in-law: Bill (Loretta) Immel, Dick (Vivian) Immel and Ray Immel; foster son: Richard Hartson; foster daughter: Rose Streff; nephew: Michael Immel and foster grandson: Eric Streff.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the United Church of Faith, with Pastor Vince Homan officiating. The service will also be live streamed on the Powell Funeral Home facebook page. Burial will be at Keota Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

A memorial fund has been established for the Wilson Memorial Library, Iowa Lions Eye Bank or the United Church of Faith. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Dennis and his family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.