Dennis Dean Ricklefs

Dennis Dean Ricklefs, age 77, passed away on April 25, 2026 after a brief illness. He was born on September 16, 1948, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Evelyn (Abens) and Raymond Ricklefs and grew up on the family farm in Gilmore City alongside his brother, Dewayne and sister, Deanne.

Dennis attended the University of Northern Iowa for his undergraduate degree as well as the Viterbo University for his Masters in Education. He pursued his calling as an educator and met the love of his life, Carol Allen. They were married On August 23, 1969, beginning a partnership rooted in devotion, laughter and shared purpose. Together they built their life in Jesup, Iowa, where Dennis spent his entire career teaching middle school and high school social studies, as well as serving tenures as a coach and athletic director, shaping generations of students both in the classroom and on the field.

Above all else, Dennis was a devoted husband and an extraordinary father to his two children, Kendall (Shantell) Ricklefs and Kirstin (Jon) Ricklefs-Johnson. When he wasn't teaching, coaching or cheering from the sidelines, he could be found fishing, golfing, hiking, or sharing the one of his legendary tall tales. If you knew Dennis, you knew his kindness, his full presence and his fierce love.

To ensure his outlandish stories continue and his latest set of golf clubs do not get dusty, Dennis leave behind his beloved wife Carol; his children; his brother Dewayne Ricklefs and sister Deanne Ricklefs; and his adored grandchildren, stella and Hayden Johnson, who brought him endless joy. He will be missed beyond measure, but he would want those who loved him to celebrate the memories they shared and to keep living life fully.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family invites you to honor Dennis by sharing a memory, doing something kind for a stranger, or simply taking a day off to jump in a lake and have fun, just as he would have wanted.

A memorial will be planned for a later date.