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BORN
1954
DIED
2020
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Dennis Spencer Obituary
Iowa City - Dennis Lee Spencer, 65, of Iowa City passed away April 19, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics from complications of a neuro-degenerative disease.
A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date, details of which will be posted when determined. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be distributed to organizations that were important to Dennis.
Dennis was born July 31, 1954 in Centerville, Iowa to John and Eileen (Coady) Spencer. He grew up in Moravia, Iowa and graduated from Moravia High School in 1972. He then attended DMACC before moving to Iowa City. On September 3, 1977, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Rouse, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Dennis worked as a carpenter, and for Spencer Sound and then Gold Ribbon Sound, designing and building custom speaker systems. He and Jean had their two children, Maggie (1983) and Alex (1989) before Dennis started his own business, Dennis Spencer Construction, in the early 1990s. Dennis Spencer Construction built homes throughout the Iowa City area, and Dennis was active in the Iowa City chapter of the Home Builders Association. In the early 2000s, he switched to excavating and later welcomed his son Alex into the business, which was then renamed Spencer Construction. Dennis worked until he was physically unable to do so due to his disease.
In his younger years, Dennis was an avid skier. His family has fond memories of skiing with him in Steamboat Springs, Colorado on their numerous trips there. He was a fan of sports cars, motorcycles, and motor sports. He and his wife made many memories on biking trips with their Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Dennis had many friends that he enjoyed spending time with, vacationing to Mexico for many years together, watching Hawkeye Football games and socializing at RT's and then The Jobsite bar in Iowa City. He will be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor, and his infectious smile.
Above all, Dennis was a family man. He loved being a father and supporting his children's endeavors, including the many years he spent as a coach and spectator at Alex's baseball games. He had a large extended family and a close set of in-laws that he always enjoyed visiting.
He is survived by his wife, Jean; his daughter Maggie Spencer, of Iowa City, IA; his son, Alex (Shaina) Spencer of North Liberty, IA; his mother, Eileen Spencer of the Quad Cities and his brother, Bob (Kris) Spencer of the Quad Cities.
Please share a memory or express your condolences to the family at www.lensingfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Spencer
Sponsored by Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service - Iowa City.
Matthew (Guru)
August 18, 2022
I stopped in to see Dennis and was shocked to see the memorial stone outside his Tiffin building. I wondered why I hadn't heard from him in a while. I built computers for Dennis for many years but also considered him a friend. So sad to hear of the news. Please send my deepest condolences to the family. He was a great guy!
Janice Coltrain-Sapp
May 1, 2020
Jean, so sorry to hear about Dennis! I always remember how welcoming you were to us while I was in law school in Iowa City! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Dennis big smile will be missed by me and many. Hugs
Don Argo
April 29, 2020
Dennis was a great friend, fellow boyscout, classmate, and like a brother growing up. I have so many great memories with Dennis growing up in the Moravia area. Jean and family you are in my prayers during this difficult time. May God comfort you during this time.
Deborah Lawson
April 27, 2020
I am so sad to hear about my cousin Dennis. I remember all the trips to Moravia in the summer when we were kids, we had so much fun. Dennis was always happy, kind and fun to be around. I offer you and your family my deepest and most sincere condolences. May the Lord comfort you and your family.
Fun in the mountains
Victor Spencer
April 26, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jean, Maggie and Alex and to all the Spencer family.
I have fond childhood memories of our family adventures to visit Moravia and all my Spencer relatives in Iowa. Dennis and I were very close in age and we had so many good times together.
I am so glad that Dennis and Jean came out several years ago to reacquaint with his Spencer family in Wyoming.
Steve Spencer
April 24, 2020
So sad to learn of the passing of our "big" cousin. Dennis was always upbeat & fun to be around. Thoughts & prayers to Jean/Maggie/Alex.
Alice
April 24, 2020
I remember Dennis in school this is very sad I always remember jean Ann from school Im so sorry prayers sent your way and hugs
Deborah Cossolotto
April 24, 2020
Jean Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Dennis as such a nice guy. You and the kids are in my prayers.
Tom Spencer
April 24, 2020
My heartfelt condolences to his family. He looks a lot like John in that photo.
Freeman Insurance
April 24, 2020
Dennis was a great friend... loyal, honest and extremely funny! We will miss him!
Jim Protaskey
April 24, 2020
So sorry to hear of Dennis's passing. I have work on many projects with Dennis in the past 20 years with the City of Iowa City. He will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Michelle Stevens
April 24, 2020
We're so sorry to hear about Dennis. I'll never forget the time he let me borrow his dump trailer when I was gutting my farm. Such a gentle giant ❤
Michelle R. Kennedy-Stevens
edward sarrazin
April 24, 2020
Very sorry to hear of your loss, Jean
God Bless you and your family
Ed Sarrazin
Paul Witt
April 23, 2020
In the mid sixties Dennis was in Troop 40 of the Moravia Boyscouts of which I was Scoutmaster. What a wonderful scout. We did a lot of fun things together and will always have the memories of Dennis and his great personality and smile.
Lou Ann Lathrop
April 23, 2020
I am so proud to say that Denny Spencer was my friend. He was the nicest guy you could ever meet as well as do business with. He was kind, loyal and never held a grudge. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. Denny loved his family and always talked about them. He will always be in my heart and I will think of him often. Hugs to his family at this difficult time.
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