Dr. Dennis Henzen

Dr. Dennis Henzen, age 73, of Davenport, Iowa, died Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Mercy One Genesis following an ongoing battle with cancer. Private family services will be held. Denny will be laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park. His family will receive guests at a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds Keppy Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Scott County.

A son of Harlan and Jean (Valerius) Henzen, Denny was born on January 29, 1951, and attended Davenport Schools and Marycrest College where he earned his BA in music education. He subsequently taught elementary school music in Davenport, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and Council Bluffs, Iowa. From 1974-1989 Denny spent his summers on the staff of Camp Abe Lincoln (Scott County Family Y) where he served as a cabin counselor and later became assistant director and finally camp director from 1983 -1989. Denny’s work in residential summer camping and as a teacher enabled him to touch and influence the lives of so many young people who reciprocated his enthusiasm and appreciated his wonderful sense of humor.

In 1989 Denny moved to Bradenton, FL, resumed his teaching career and went on to earn his masters and doctoral degree in education. He retired in 2016, returning to Davenport for the summers, and finally packed up and made his final move in 2024. Although cancer and the accompanying treatments slowed him down, Denny enjoyed his Davenport home and family (but not the winter weather!) and especially his beloved little dog, Rambo -- “the best kind of medicine and therapy”, according to Denny.

In earlier years Denny was a competitive swimmer and diver, and his musical talents provided many opportunities to share his gifts as a vocalist and organist, beginning in junior high school. For several seasons he was thrilled to appear in the chorus of the Sarasota Opera Company.

Those left to honor Denny’s memory include his sister, Sandy Henzen; Cousins Ron & Lynette Henzen, Derek & Tina Henzen and their son Dagen, Angela & Dustin Eimers and their children Brody and Haylie, Chad Henzen and his son Alex; friends, Vicki Gray, Vicky Speth, Kelly and David Howes and family, Lisa Juras and family, the Wounded Arrow family, and his cherished dog Rambo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Michael, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.