"Dennis was starting to renovate our NLAE lab building on campus, so I met him fairly recently. Denny had a group of important lawyers show up, and he instructed them to keep their voices down and walk quietly so as not to disturb me. He had that kind of consideration even for me, the lowest employee in the building. We compared cancer and chemo stories. Our conversations were short but full of meaning. I wanted so much for him to survive. Such an outstanding human! Kindest regards, Val Hedlund"
In loving memory of
Dennis Lee Jones
September 28, 1950 - September 25, 2018
Dennis Lee Jones, age 67, of Ames, Iowa died September 25, 2018 at Israel Family Hospice House, in Ames, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held at the Stone Brooke Clubhouse at 3816 Fletcher Boulevard on Sunday, October 21, from 2:00-4:00 PM.
Dennis Jones was born September 28, 1950 in Sheldon, Iowa, the son of Glenn and Norma Jean (Hansen) Jones. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1968, and married Cindy Miller on May 31, 1969 in Atlantic, Iowa.
Dennis earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in 1973, and his Master of Science degree from Iowa State University in Agricultural Engineering in 1981.
Dennis was a recognized national expert in biological containment, and traveled internationally on behalf of the U.S. government to share his expertise. Among his proudest professional achievements was his role as Chief Engineer at the USDA's National Animal Disease Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.
Dennis was an avid cyclist, riding Ragbrai for many years, volunteering with Friends of Central Iowa Biking, and helping with trail access efforts. In addition to cycling, he was a long-time volunteer at Midnight Madness, GAAR (Great Ames Adventure Race), Special Olympics National Games, and many others. He was deeply involved with Ames Noon Kiwanis.
Despite his extraordinary career and civic engagement, Dennis's greatest legacy is his family. He is survived by his wife Cindy Jones, two daughters, Mindy Trettin and Kristy (Gentry) Collins, grandchildren, Morgan Trettin, Peter, Thomas, Benjamin, Grace, Anna, and Sarah Collins, his mother, Norma Jean Jones and brother Merle Jones.
The family would like to thank Dr. Rudrapatna and the wonderful staff at the Bliss Cancer Center.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to: Ames Noon Kiwanis Club or Mary Greeley Foundation to: Israel Family Hospice House or The Bliss Cancer Center.
Tributes
"Dennis Jones was my boss while I was FEU Admin at USDA. He was one of the best bosses I have every worked for and with. He was a fair man and took time to help you understand and learn new aspects of your job. Sorry to hear of his passing. R. Sue (Perrin) Frana"
"To Cindy and family I was saddened to hear and read of Dennis' passing today. I have a lot of fond memories dating back to Iowa State and undergrad courses. I always appreciated his upbeat attitude and positive outlook on life. Even when he was dealing with cancer, he always showed the positive person that he was. I know he will be missed by so many. Life seems so short but I pray that all the good memories will always be there with you. Best to you!! Sincerely, Bill Bokhoven"
"Sorry for your loss. Denny was a great volunteer for the Iowa Games. He served as the Road Race Commissioner, and other roles, for quit a few years. Always helping with a smile. God bless your family!"
"To Cindy and the Jones family I was deeply saddened to learn of Dennis?s passing from Mike Thompson earlier this week. I had the honor and the privilege of leading STV?s team during the Ames Modernization Project 15 years ago. I worked closely with Dennis during that 7 year assignment and always was impressed with his leadership skills and ability to solve problems. The Project was a great success in large part due to his dedication, knowledge of the unique aspects of containment design, and ability to lead a team. But Dennis was more than a client to me, he was a friend. He became a part of my extended Ames family and I appreciate that your family loaned Dennis to our team as we went to dinners and late meetings rather than spending time with his family at home. He made my two or three times a month journeys from Pennsylvania to Iowa enjoyable rather than a burden. Fortunately, your loss will be tempered by family and close friends as you celebrate the good times of the past. Laugh together and tell all the tall tales of Dennis?s adventures during his full and fruitful life. I especially enjoyed his stories of his numerous and wide-ranging bicycle rides. He was a wonderful man and I will miss him. May God?s Blessings and Mercy be extended to you and your family in these days of mourning. Sincerely Whitney (Sandy) Sanders "
"So saddened to hear this. My sympathy to Christy and his family. The last time I saw Denny, you all were the topic of conversation. How old were the grandkids? Where was his last biking adventure with them? Denny taught me alot about giving up your time to organizations you believe in. Countless hours spent fixing bikes for the FCIB sales. Trails meetings and hikes and schemes to make Ames and Story County a better place. Spirit away Denny, I wish you fair skies and tailwinds. Carol Williams "
"Kristy and Family...so sorry to hear of your lost, may your memories keep him close to your heart through these difficult times. Chris Hadaway"