In loving memory of

Dennis Backstrom
May 29, 1953 - September 28, 2011

Dennis Dean Backstrom was born May 29, 1953, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Dean and Delores (Sage) Backstrom. Denny attended Mallard grade school, and he was a 1971 graduate of Emmetsburg High School. He continued his education at Emmetsburg Junior College and Buena Vista College in Storm Lake where he received a bachelors degree in business management.

On December 7, 1973, Denny was united in marriage to Cathy Schuller at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mallard, Iowa.

Denny began his career with Hunt Truck Line in Rockwell City, IA working as a shipping clerk in the business office. The couple later moved back to Palo Alto County, and Denny took a position managing the Curlew Elevator. In 1979, Denny began working for the United States Postal Service. He was a city carrier in Emmetsburg then served as Postmaster for the Mallard and Rolfe Post Offices. In March of 2009, Denny retired after 31 years of service.
Denny was always very involved in the Mallard Community.

He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an elder. He was also a member of Friends of Mallard and served on the Mallard Volunteer Fire Department.

Denny enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and working on the family farm. He and Cathy loved to travel and take trips to see their children and grandchildren. More than anything else, Denny treasured the moments he shared with his family.

On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, Denny passed away on his farm near Mallard.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cathy, of Mallard; mother, Delores Shimon and her husband, Don of Havelock; son, Lee and his wife, Jill of Wake Forest, NC; two daughters: Laura Graff and her husband, Nate of Wilmington, NC and Lisa Barton and her husband, Josh of Washington, DC; sister, Deb Hansch and her husband, Randy of Monroe, IA; brother, Dale and his wife, Missy of Cambridge, IA; and five grandchildren: Malia, Nathan, Sage, Taylor and Dean.

Denny was preceded in death by his father, Dean.

Tributes

Larry Whiting: (PM retired, Duncombe) : La Verkin wrote on Oct 6, 2011:

"So sorry to hear of your family loss. Dennis was a very dedicated employee of the USPS and will be surely missed all the way around. "

Rose, Vern, and Laura Smith wrote on Oct 5, 2011:

"Cathy, Delores, Lee, Laura, and Lisa (and extended family members,) No words can truly express the sorrow we share. The best we can do is open our arms for an embrace or an ear to listen to the memories recalled. Please know we are here for you! May you find peace through your faith that Denny has reached his eternal home. Rose Smith"

Gary and Helen Sage wrote on Oct 4, 2011:

"We were so very sadden when Bob and Sandy contacted us about Denny's accident. May the wonderful Lord hold you deep in his heart! "

Barbara Johnson Baedke wrote on Oct 4, 2011:

"I would like to express my sympathy to the Dennis Backstrom family. I went to school in Mallard with Dean Backstrom. Arlene Backstrom and Mark Schuller were in my grade.My son Frank was born May 30, 1953 & was in the same nursery in FD hospital as Dennis. May God be with all of you in your sadness."

Becky Flaherty wrote on Oct 4, 2011:

"Cathy, Deloris, Deb and Dale I was so shocked to hear the news and my heart broke thinking of you all. Our Lord's ways are not our ways, but we know He always has plans for our good. Butch and I are praying that you are able to trust Him through this and are being comforted and sustained by Him. Butch and Becky (Reinhart) Flaherty"

Kay (Murray) Wise wrote on Oct 3, 2011:

"Backstrom Family - sorry to hear of your loss - Delores and Dale - my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time - Cathy - may God wrap you in his arms and hold you thru these next difficult days."

Glen Simonson wrote on Oct 3, 2011:

"Cathy,So sorry about your loss. Denny was a wonderful person. He will be missed by everyone in Mallard."

Chris Maiwurm wrote on Oct 3, 2011:

"You have our thoughts and prayers."

Mark & Nancy Johnson wrote on Oct 3, 2011:

"Cathy & family - We are so sorry for your loss. Denny was a great friend to the Mallard Community his absence will be greatly missed. God bless you and your family and know that you are in our prayers."

Kimberly Darling wrote on Oct 3, 2011:

"To Denny's family, I was so sorry to hear of this tragic and terrible loss. My thoughts have been with all of you these past few days. Denny was so obviously well-loved, and will be greatly missed. You have my deepest condolences. Thinking of you, Kimberly"

Wayne and Diana Gerdes wrote on Oct 3, 2011:

"Cathy-- Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of loss."

Jerome and Kelly Grethen wrote on Oct 2, 2011:

"Cathy,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.God Bless"

Betty Crabb wrote on Oct 2, 2011:

"I am so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. I am also a retired postmaster and knew Denny through the USPS. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time."

Scott & Barb (Brown) Benz wrote on Oct 2, 2011:

"Cathy and Family, We are so very sorry for your tragic loss. It's so hard to find words to comfort, but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. "

Maureen/Joel Horsley wrote on Oct 2, 2011:

"Backstrom family- Words are inadequate to express our feelings at this sad, sad time. I am so grateful we got to visit at our recent class reunion. Denny was a gentleman - always with a smile. Special prayers, Cathy. Delores, you've met tragedy before. May God hold you all in His mighty hands and give you strength. Psalm 91, "

Fred & Margaret McKim wrote on Oct 2, 2011:

"Our sympathy to the family of Dennis at this very sad time. May faith, family and friends sustain you now and in the time to follow."

Trinity Akridge wrote on Oct 2, 2011:

"Cathy, Lee, Laura, Lisa - I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace during this difficult time. Trinity, Andy, Marcus, Jackson and Alana"

Todd and Michelle Reuter wrote on Oct 2, 2011:

"Dearest Cathy and family, We are shocked and saddened to hear of your loss and the community's loss with Denny's unexpected and tragic death. Out thoughts and prayers are with you all as you move through your grief. Keep memories and love close to your heart and gain strength and courage from that. With deepest sympathy. "

Ed Ludwig wrote on Oct 2, 2011:

"Dear Dennis Backstrom Family, While I've never had the priviledge of knowing you I have good memories of Dennis Through the Post Office & the NAPUS family. Please know that we share your loss & know that Dennis is in a far greater place with our Lord In heaven. He was a great worker in the USPS.. Ed Ludwig. Postmaster Retired, Rockwell City IA"

LeRoy Walker, Jr. wrote on Oct 2, 2011:

"Cathy & family, being a friend of Denny\'s & of class \'71, I have never known a kinder man...we will miss him."

Tom & Marcia Hackett wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Cathy and family, We are so incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. Denny was a wonderful friend, husband and father and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."

Dennis & Lois Shimon wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"We became acquainted with Dennis when he was postmaster in Rolfe. He always had a smile, was helpful and a super nice guy. So sorry to hear of his passing. Our prayers are with you. "

Marlan & Jenese Truelsen, Milton, FL wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Cathy & family,so sorry for your loss, Dennis will be missed by many. May God keep you in His arms at this time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, we knew Dennis at church and community when we visited."

Pickle and Andy Wiita. wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Cathy, Lee, Laura & Lisa, thinking of you in this difficult time. Denny was always so caring, helpful and polite, he will be missed by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Jane and Al Littrel wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"To Cathy and the backstrom family. We are deeply saddened by Denny's death. He was a great guy and very special to his NAPUS family. The Iowa retired postmasters have lost yet another one of the "good guys!"May you find comfort in the prayers of your friends. With deepest sympathy, Jane and Al Littrel"

Glenn Markley wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Sad to hear of Denny's passing. With all the praises' he will go straight to Heaven. Glenn"

Roger & Sara II Barber wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Cathy & Family, We were saddened to hear the tragic news. Denny was an incredibly welcoming and friendly person. Our hearts ache for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

John & Robbin Bird wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping all of you in our prayers."

Mary Ann Mader wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"God bless and reward Denny for all the goodness and love he brought to this world. I will miss his presence in Mallard and in my life. He was a ray of sunshine in my life and for many others. He was the first person to welcome me to Mallard being the postmaster. He made me feel like I had found a home. I never walked away from visiting with him where I had not smiled, laughed and felt like someone listened to me. I will miss him terribly. May he be rewarded in Heaven his true home. May God give you the strength and courage to live on. We are here for you if we can help in any way. "

Jenny (Weller) Hough wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Cathy, Lee, Laurie and Lisa, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in the family surrounding you and peace in the memories that you will forever hold dear to your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Jenny, Todd, Madison, Max & Jace Hough"

Glenn and Sarah Munson wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"You could not find someone more kind and caring than Denny. May God Bless you and keep you. Our prayers are there lifing your family up. We are thankful & privileged to have known Denny. "

Lori Bonnstetter Slack wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Lisa and Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Words can never express our sympathy for what you are going through. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Lori and Russ Slack "

Lollly Haack Hammen wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Saw in todays paper of the loss of your son. Haven\'t gotten to know your kids but know they are nice people. Know you are in my thoughts. Call me when you\'re in the area."

Tom & Kathy Barber wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Cathy, so sorry for your loss our prayers are with you in this most difficult of times."

Kelly McCormick wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Lisa and family, I am so, so sorry for your loss. He sounded like an amazing man; you will never forget him."

Sarah Baade wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Backstroms - Words can not even begin to explain how sad/awful I felt after hearing the tragic news. Hold tight onto the many wonderful mememories you have of your amazing husband and father. I can't help but smile when thinking back on how great it was growing up in the Backstrom household... Denny always had a smile on his face even after coming home from a long day at work. You are all such great people and a wonderful family. Thinking and praying for you all."

Gary and June Nerlien wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"Delores, Deb, and family: I am so sorry to here of my friend Dennis's death. I will always remember the good times Dennis and I had growing up. The hunting, motor cycle riding, and staying at each others house growing up. My heart goes out to all of you. I wish the world had a lot more people in it like Dennis. We want you to know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers!"

Vicki Dummett wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"I am proud to say Denny is my cousin. He leaves his mark on this world in the way of his friendly smile, people skills, loving ways, and in the manner he and Cathy raised a wonderful family. My heart goes out to you all."

Abby Goodlaxson wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Cathy and the rest of the family during this difficult time. May you all find peace and joy in knowing that he was loved by many! God bless, Abby"

Duane and Robin Barber wrote on Oct 1, 2011:

"We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are broken."

Wilhelmina and Marilyn Mauritz wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Wilhelmina finally reached me just a short time ago to let me know the terrible news. We are both so saddened to learn of this loss to your dear family. We both wanted you to know you were in our hearts and prayers. Love, WMS and MM"

Joe and Pat Boylan wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"To the Backstrom family: Denny was one of the kindest men I have ever met. He will be sorely missed here in Mallard. You are in our prayers and Denny is "safe in His arms." "

Danita O'Leary wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Cathy and family - our deepest sympathy to all of you during this very sad and difficult time. Denny was such a nice guy. Thinking of all of you. John & Danita O'Leary"

Dawn Siemers wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Dear Cathy and Family, I am so sorry for this terrible time in your lives. I am thinking of you often and keeping you in my prayers. Please know that everyone at West Elementary is heartbroken because of your loss and we are willing to anything we can to help. God bless your family!"

Jim and JoAnn Coakley wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Cathy and families, We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Denny always had a smile and a kind word for everyone he would meet. Take care and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. We are praying for you."

Kim Heddinger wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Cathy and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Please know that we are praying for you all at this difficult time. I pray you find peace in your days. "

Brad and Sara McKay wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Lee and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time."

Darlis Quinn Hoppe wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"To the Backstrom family; May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. Denny was kind to everyone and always fun to be around! Please accept my sincere sympathy."

Lantzer Family wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"We never met Dennis Backstrom. But if his son Lee is any indication of the kind of man he was, the world has lost an amazing person. Our thoughts & prayers are with all those whose lives he touched. "

Melissa Backstrom wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Denny was a good man and brother in-law. He will be missed greatly. He always had a smile and kind words. My prayers are with you Kathy, Lee, Laura and Lisa. "

Steve and Lynne Farnsworth wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Cathy and family, we are so sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers coming your way....."

Steve and Carla Kunz wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. What a very sad loss."

Annette Schuller Hiscocks wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Thinking of you and the kids Kathy. He was one of the kindest guys I knew. I have some great memories of the community club times! I am so saddened by your lose. Lots of love Annette"

The Boksleitner Family wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. We pray God gives you comfort. Lee has shown us through his actions what a great man Denny was. He will be missed by many."

staci (smith) santiago and family wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Cathy,lee, laurie, and lisa, we r so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts, hearts and prayers! Denny was a kind man and touched so many lives. Love to your family from mine. Staci, Rick, Tommy, Dominic and Carter"

Ron Cross and Family wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Sorry to hear about your loss, Prays are being sent your way.. "

Nikki and Zach Brazelton wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Dale and family, we are so sorry about your loss. If there is anything we can do please let us know. We love you and you are in our thoughts. I only met your brother a few times but he treated me like family when i did see him! "

Melanie and Brian Rivers wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Our hearts ache for your family! Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for you. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May the comfort and love of God be with you all....."

Amy, Adrian, Adam & Austin Schaller wrote on Sep 30, 2011:

"Our hearts go out to the Backstrom Family. We did not have the pleasure of meeting Dennis, but knowing Lee and Jill as we do - we extend our deepest condolences to them and the entire Backstrom Family during this difficult time. May you find some peace in knowing that there are people, too numerous to count, that are praying for you and your family. You are all in our thoughts."

Ruth Kane wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Kathy and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Denny was one of the good guys. Always friendly. God bless all of you."

Renay Hauswirth wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"We are sending you love and prayers. The pain you must be feeling is unimaginable. Thank God for your family, friends and especially your faith. We will be thinking of you all and if you need anything, please call. Love Greg,Renay,Meg& Brandyn Hauswirth "

Kaye Schnieders wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Cathy, my heart is breaking. Denny was a great guy and a wonderful friend. The Mallard community has lost someone very special, he worked thousands of hours for the town and community. I'm so sorry for you and the kids. Kaye"

Sandy Leonard wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Cathy and family: We are so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers."

Rick and Diane Brennan wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Cathy--We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rick and Diane"

Emily (Baade) Fenske wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Backstroms, Words cannot express how sad I am to hear of such awful news. I have so many fond memories growing up at the Backstrom house and Denny is a part of so many of those memories. Many, many prayers are being sent your way."

Ron and Richelle Larson wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Cathy, Lee, Laura, and Lisa, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Denny was a great man--who will be missed in the Mallard community."

Alice and Dan Conlon wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Sharing in your grief for this great loss. May God hold Denny in his loving arms and guide all of you in the sad days and months ahead. There will be a void, no doubt about that, but our faith tells us that he has arrived "home". Please accept our deepest and sincere sympathy!"

Sally Jordan wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Cathy and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time."

Maureen Wright wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Cathy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you all."

Gary & Linda Larson wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"Cathy, Lee, Laura, Lisa, So very sorry to hear this horrible news. Denny was so much a great part of the Mallard Community, involved in everything, and will be sorely missed. You have our deepest thoughts of sympathy."

Jean Jones wrote on Sep 29, 2011:

"So sorry. Dennis was a hero to everyone who met him. "