In loving memory of

Denise Yantis 07/08/2019
March 22, 1957 - July 8, 2019

Denise Yantis, 62, of Marshalltown, IA, formerly of Conrad, IA, passed away Monday, July 8, 2019, at her and Leon's favorite fishing spot in Walker, MN. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2019, at the Journey Church, 700 East Olive Street in Marshalltown. Rev. Jacob Rahrig will be officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2019, at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Rescue Inn, 2265 Marshalltown Blvd. in Marshalltown. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Denise was born March 22, 1957, to Clifford and Maxine (Buss) Wilson in Marshalltown. She graduated from BCL High School in 1975. Denise was united in marriage to Leon Yantis on July 1, 1977, in Conrad. She was a homemaker and was the founder and owner of the Rescue Inn in 2013. Denise was a member of the Journey Church in Marshalltown. She was passionate about caring for those who were unwanted or unable to fight or protect themselves as exhibited in her outspoken stand against abortion, her generous support of the undernourished, and most evident in her Rescue Inn where she took on unwanted cats and dogs. Denise enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing cards with friends, and their frequent trips to Mexico. She dearly loved her grandchildren.

Denise will be missed by her husband, Leon; three children: Teri (Robert) Vedrenne of Dallas, TX, Kevin (Nicole) Yantis of Mishawaka, IN, Tyler (Megan) Yantis of Conrad; 16 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a sister, Connie (Robert) Yates of Conrad; two brothers, Curtis Wilson of Union, IA, Scott (DeanNa) Wilson of Beaman, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Nancy Kirkdorfer, and a grandson, Cody Yantis.

Tributes

Tonya Hart wrote on Jul 15, 2019:

"I'm so very sorry for your loss she was a wonderful person and the way I knew her was through animal rescue. May you all take comfort in knowing that she will be waiting for us just a short ways away on the other side"

Gary and Suzanne Krause wrote on Jul 13, 2019:

"Leon and family, Our prayers and sympathies are with you. May the wonderful memories remain in your heart."

Connie Brodin wrote on Jul 12, 2019:

"So sorry to hear about Denise. I have sweet memories of her at our wonderful FBC days....left so young and to soon. May our God give you comfort as you go through this difficult time..."

Tammy Eygabroad wrote on Jul 12, 2019:

"One of my favorite buddies growing up. We always got each other giggling at church. Our mom's didn't appreciate our sense of humor. Such an exceptional human being. I will miss her but rejoice that we will meet again. Lifting Denise's whole family in prayer during this valley of life. Tammy Eygabroad "

Delores Michels Dunham wrote on Jul 12, 2019:

"Leon and family, I am so sorry to learn of your terrible and shocking loss. May your countless memories of the happy times you shared be comforting to you in the dark days ahead."

scott Turczynski wrote on Jul 12, 2019:

"Lean - I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

Tim Odle wrote on Jul 11, 2019:

"Dear Leon and family I am sorry to hear of the loss of your loving Denise. You are in my thoughts and prayers sincerely Tim odle"

Jerry Gade wrote on Jul 11, 2019:

"May all the warm memories in your heart and soul wrap around you, now and give you comfort and peace... GOD'S BLESSINGS.... JERRY & BEV GADE"

Marge Diamond wrote on Jul 11, 2019:

"I'm so sorry to hear the loss of Denise, she was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Thinking of your family Leon, sending prayers your way while you go through this difficult time."

Kristin Early wrote on Jul 11, 2019:

"Leon and Family, I so wish I could be there with you at this time. My prayers have been ongoing since I first heard, and my heart goes out to all of you. Denise was a blessing in this world to so many and she leaves quite a legacy. Looking forward to being with her again in Heaven. Love always, Kris Early"

Chris & Michelle Alley wrote on Jul 11, 2019:

"Leon, this is devastating news. Denise was a loving and compassionate woman. She will be truly missed. "

Debbie Hartwig wrote on Jul 11, 2019:

"Leon, I am so sorry to read of the passing of your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. "

Bill and Desiree Miller wrote on Jul 11, 2019:

"So sorry to hear of the passing of Denise. I can remember her loving ways. She was committed to her family. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. "

Ruth Smith wrote on Jul 11, 2019:

"Leon, my heart is heavy for you and yet I know we have the future hope of eternity. You and Denise were such a blessing to me last fall. It was a special "fishing" vacation at Paul's. I enjoyed it so much and you were both so patient to put up with this non-fisherman. I am so happy that I had that time with the two of you. May the Lord comfort your entire family in this difficult time and my love and prayers are with you."

Pastor Gerald & Sharon Robison wrote on Jul 11, 2019:

"Leon, Our hearts hurt for you in the loss of Denise. You two were a very special couple and a good complement to each other. Denise had a big heart for those in need (whether people or cats) and she was greatly appreciated by those who couldn't even say "Thank You" . She was definitely a "cat person", but not a typical "crazy cat lady" - she was the big-hearted lady who saw and felt a need - and did something about it. She was a friend to us and we have fond memories of eating, bowling and just enjoying life together. Sharon was privileged to call her "friend" . "

Randi Folkerts wrote on Jul 10, 2019:

"Leon, Tyler, Connie & the rest of your family, I was so sorry to read of Denise's passing. I know she will be missed by all of you, but by those who knew her as friends. May God comfort you at this time. We're praying for your family."

Gail Keen wrote on Jul 10, 2019:

"Leon and family... My heart is so heavy as I write this. Please know I am sending comforting thoughts and prayers to all of you. In my sadness ... my heart smiles when I think of the fur babies that have gone before her are waiting with open paws to welcome her home. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time. Rest In Peace, Denise."

Cara Jackson wrote on Jul 10, 2019:

"My deepest condolences to the family . Denise taught me all I know about Trap neuter and return . She was kind , caring and compassionate ... She will be greatly missed ."

Leslie McClintock wrote on Jul 10, 2019:

"Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you. "

Deborah Rieks wrote on Jul 10, 2019:

"I'm so very sorry for the loss of this beautiful caring women. I'm sure she is gathered by kitties in heaven. My heart breaks."

Sue (Kibby) Eggena wrote on Jul 10, 2019:

"Leon, and family. I am just devastated to hear about Denise. Going through all our years of school together and keeping in touch with her in following years, I am just heart broken. She certainly was one of a kind in all that she gave of herself. My prayers and sympathies are with all of you. Sue"

Janalyn Miller wrote on Jul 10, 2019:

"So sorry to hear about your sister. I remember her fondly! "

Janell (King) Day wrote on Jul 10, 2019:

"So very sorry to learn of Denise?s passing. With so many years of knowing her I hardly know where to start. I know she will be greatly missed by so many! My thoughts and prayers are with Leon and her entire family. "

Jennifer E Stursa wrote on Jul 9, 2019:

"Sorry for your Loss, Leon! Thoughts and prayers are with the family!! Jenny Stursa"

Ramona Ruhf wrote on Jul 9, 2019:

"I am so sorry, so sad, so lost. My thoughts and prayers to her famy. "

Lorie Baker wrote on Jul 9, 2019:

"So very sad to hear. Denise was such a compassionate lady. She helped save so many cats in need. She will be missed as a friend as well as in the rescue world. "

Crystal Harvey Rutherford wrote on Jul 9, 2019:

"Leon and family, I am so sorry to hear of Denise's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "

Amy Haas-Gray wrote on Jul 9, 2019:

"My heart hurts for her family. She was very loved and will be greatly missed."

Jenny wrote on Jul 9, 2019:

"Thoughts and prayers are with you all. I always had a good time bowling together with her. She will be greatly missed! Jenny Van Kirk"