Loren Walter Dengler

Loren Walter Dengler, age 89, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025 at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids. 

A funeral service will take place at 10:30 AM, Monday, May 19, 2025 at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of the service on Monday, May 19th.  Burial will take place following the service in Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, or the Lyon County Fair.

Loren was born August 2nd, 1935, in Rock Rapids, the son of Otto and Laura (Berg) Dengler. He was baptized on October 6th, 1935, and confirmed in 1949. Loren attended the rural Rock Township School #3 through 8th grade and graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1954. Loren enlisted in the United States Army on October 14th, 1954, and was stationed in Okinawa achieving the rank of Sergeant, and receiving the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on September 26, 1957.

He was united in marriage to Viola Bonestroo on August, 1st, 1958 in Hull, Iowa. To this union two children were born; Gregory Dean and Vaunda Lee. Loren farmed with his father until Otto’s retirement in 1961. He continued farming on the Dengler homestead with his son Greg until the early 1990’s. Loren was injured in a farm accident in 1990 getting caught in a PTO resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Loren overcame his injuries and recovered after years of treatment and therapy.

Loren had many passions and talents. He played football and ran track throughout high school supporting his hometown team his entire life. He was an avid fisherman and sportsman and could often be found along the Rock River checking a trap, casting a line, or tracing a deer. He cherished many fishing trips with family and friends throughout the years. Loren was a member of the First Reformed Church of Rock Rapids. He was a member of the American Legion Rex Strait Post #103. He was a Civil War reenactor and member of the New Ulm Battery where he built and fired cannons. Loren loved to work with his hands and had a mind for building and repairing mechanical things. He was active in the Lyon County snowmobile community selling and repairing sleds.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Laura; siblings, Wilfred Dengler, Alvin Dengler, Alfred Dengler, Elmer (Vernice) Dengler, Mildred (Jim) Haviland; brother-in-law, Clifford Phipps; sister-in-law, Henrietta (Art) Van Roekel; honorary son, Larry Dengler; granddaughter, Holly Dengler.

He is mourned by his wife, Vi of 66 years; son, Greg (Shar) Dengler; daughter Vaunda (Al) Klink; grandchildren, Brian (Melody) Dengler, Amanda (Nolan) Hayes, Matt (Faye) Dengler, and Devin Klink; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Martha Phipps; sister-in-law, Evelyn Dengler; honorary grandson, Cameron (Jayne) Greenfield; many nieces, nephews, and friends.