Dennis Burdette Pingel

Dennis was born March 26, 1942 in Cherokee, IA, the first child of Burdette and Lucille (Niebuhr) Pingel. Burdette and Lucille went on to grow their family with the addition of Sandra in 1943 and Warren in 1949.

Dennis attended Hayes K-12 School in Hayes Township, just outside of Storm Lake, IA where he was a member of the basketball team. After graduating from Hayes in 1960, Dennis joined the United States Air Force September 28th, 1960, where he worked as an Air Policeman. Dennis was stationed in Alaska, California, and France. After serving our country Dennis enjoyed a career in sales working, most notably, for Phillip Morris and Sysco Foods. His knack for sales continued into his retirement when he sold American flags on behalf of American Legion Albaugh-McGovern Post #42 in Ankeny. His efforts resulted in Legion #42 being named the number 1 leader of flag sales amongst all United States Legions for 10 consecutive years.

Dennis was a boisterous, outgoing, social person who loved being out and about. During his retirement he kept busy as an active member of the Ankeny United Church of Christ, the American Legion Albaugh-McGovern Post #42 in Ankeny, and Ankeny Lions Club. Dennis was also a member of the Iowa Masonic Lodge, Pioneer Lodge, No. 22 A.F. & A.M. He received his pilots license in his late 20’s and flew whenever he could. He loved golfing, cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, playing Gin Rummy with his brother Warren and endless games of 500 Rummy with his daughter Elizabeth. Dennis loved spending time with his friends and family and if he said he was going to do something, he did it.

Dennis is preceeded in death by his parents, Burdette and Lucille Pingel. He is survived by a large family who loved him dearly: wife Nancy of Ankeny, IA; daughter Elizabeth of Gloucestershire, England; daughters Christine and Kathy of Ankeny, IA; daughter Stephanie of Waukee, IA; daughter Yvette of Omaha, NE; son Jeff of Sioux City, IA; son Brock (Erika) of Forest Hill, MD; sister Sandra (Bill) Rolles of Valley, NE; brother Warren (Christine) of Rogers, AR; and five nieces and nephews. Additionally, one of Dennis's greatest joys in life was being a grandpa to his nine grandchildren, of whom he was so proud: Austin, Ethan, Mia, Mason, Julian, Brandon, Brooke, Annika, and Isabel.

Dennis's sense of humor, generosity, and positive outlook on life made him truly unique. He will be forever missed, but never forgotten.