Dennis Grimm

Dennis Edward Grimm was born on May 27, 1941, in Carroll, Iowa, to Ernest and Elberta (Hagedorn) Grimm. The family spent several years in Hastings, Nebraska, before returning to Manning. Dennis was baptized and later confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended Manning High School, graduating with the Class of 1959, and went on to study at Northwest School of Heavy Equipment. In 1962, he began working for Alder Construction Company, doing dirt work for the new school in Manning.

On August 10, 1963, Dennis was united in marriage to Sharon Willesen at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. They made their home southeast of Manning and were blessed with three sons. Dennis dedicated his life to farming and agriculture, raising a variety of livestock over the years, cattle, hogs, chickens, ducks, and sheep. The family always had a faithful dog by their side. In addition to farming, he sold seed corn, Archer Oil and drove the bus for the Audubon School District for many years.

Dennis was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lincoln Township, near Gray, where he served as an elder and president of the church council before later joining Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. Following Sharon’s Celiac diagnosis, the couple became charter members of the Celiac Support Group in Des Moines. Dennis was also deeply involved in his community, serving as treasurer of the Audubon County Fair Board, secretary and treasurer of the Gray Fire Department, and participating as an FFA alumnus and 4-H leader. In his free time, Dennis enjoyed golfing, trap shooting and playing cards with friends. Above all, he treasured time with his family, especially making memories with his grandchildren.

Dennis passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in Coon Rapids at the age of 84 years, two months and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Edwin and Elsie (Fonken) Willesen; wife, Sharon; sister, Frances Podber; and sister-in-law, Myra and husband, Amos Asmus.

He is survived by three sons: Kevin (Mary) Grimm, Daniel Grimm and Kenneth (Rhonda) Grimm; five grandchildren: Nicholas Grimm (fiancée, Paige Thelen), Kourtney (Cody) Jimmerson, Kelli (Luke) Schultes, Stephen (Jodi) Grimm and Renee Grimm; great-granddaughter, Kollyns Jimmerson; brother-in-law, Ed Podber; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning with interment to follow in the Manning Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Audubon Pheasants Forever.