"Aunt Judy, Paul, Carol, and Susie. Denis was an amazing Uncle for our entire family. I, along with my sister's, and brother are blessed to have amazing Uncles (and Aunts) in our lives. Growing up in Northern Minnesota, our family loved when the McGee's would come and visit our farm. Those times are not forgotten on any of us, we were the blessed ones and those were the best of times. Condolences and prayers to the McGee's. Rich Dufault "
In loving memory of
Denis McGee
November 13, 1938 - September 27, 2025
Denis Charles McGee was called to his eternal home on September 27, 2025. He was born on November 13, 1938, to Denis and Bridget (Allison) McGee in Edinburgh, Scotland. Denis grew up in Edinburgh and attended the University of Edinburgh. After completing his Ph.D., he pursued postdoctoral studies at the University of Minnesota, where he met his wife, Judy (Jose). They married in July 1969, after which Denis began working for the Australian state government in Melbourne, Victoria.
Denis and Judy welcomed two children while living in Australia, Carol and Paul. After five years there, Denis took a sabbatical in Saskatoon, Canada, where they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Susan, in 1975. He later worked at the University of Maine for two years before joining the Department of Plant Pathology at Iowa State University, where he spent the majority of his career.
Denis was recognized as a leader in international education, research, and outreach. His collaboration with the Center for Agricultural and Biosciences International led to the development of electronic databases consolidating global plant disease information and to improvements in the standards by which seeds are traded worldwide. He conducted seed pathology workshops for seed health professionals across the globe, including in Nigeria, Egypt, Ukraine, Albania, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay. His book on maize diseases as a reference for seed technologists was followed by a companion volume on soybeans.
Denis is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judy; daughter Carol (Fred) Hoiberg and grandchildren Paige, Jack, Sam, and Charlie; son Paul McGee and grandchildren Molly, Emma, Max, and Maggie; and daughter Susan (Jason) Moutray and grandchildren Lili and Sami. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret and Angela McGee; brother Bernard McGee; sister-in-law Jackie (Bruce) Chwialkowski; brother-in-law Charles (Lona) Jose; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Denis and Bridget McGee; his sister, Rosemary Bruce; sister-in-law Mary Kay Dufault; and sister-in-law Margaret McGee.
Denis found great joy in golfing, watching his grandchildren play sports, and creating magical memories with family and friends.
A Mass of Christian burial for Denis McGee will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 2210 Lincoln Way, in Ames, with Father Kyle Digmann officiating.
A time of visitation will be held from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at the church on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, Denis' family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to Food at First or The Bridge Home, and sent to The Family of Denis McGee, c/o Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa, 50010.
Tributes
"My condolences to Judy and the family. Denis was a fine man and I always enjoyed his company. Denis was truly a catalyst in shaping my education and my future career. About late 1989 or early 1990, I was at a meeting in St. Louis. At the end day one, Denis asked if I was interested in stopping by the hotel bar for a 'jar'. I did not know what a jar was, so he explained that it was a pint of beer. During that conversation, Denis urged me to strongly consider returning to grad school for a PhD and that I should study under him. I was working full-time and had a young family, but after a few months, I took him up on the offer. It took 5-6 years, as I continued to work full-time, but that degree turned out to be life-changing. Denis was an accomplished scientist and a worldwide leader in the area of seed pathology, but he also had a large impact on the personal side, leaving many memories and stories with the people in his sphere. "
"Judy, So sorry to see this about Denis. Keeping you and your family in my prayers..????"
"My condolences to Judy, Carol, Susan, Paul, and the rest of the family. Denis and I often worked together and shared graduate students during my first 10 years at ISU, and I have great memories together in the field and the lab (and sometimes the pub). We stayed in close contact after I left ISU in 2002, and then when Denis retired, I had the opportunity return to the university. So for the past 19 years, I have had the honor and privilege to follow in Denis? footsteps as his successor in seed pathology at ISU. I still occupy his old office (where I am sitting right now) and lab in Seed Science Building. He was a great mentor, role model, and friend. I will miss him, although there are many traces of Denis? presence here ? his files that I kept, books I inherited from him, 35mm slides of fungi and plants, etc., and so I am reminded of him almost daily, and I am proud to continue building on his legacy. "
"Denis and Judy lived right behind us when Ruth and I first moved to Ames (1974ish). I remember first meeting Denis while mowing our backyard. We talked over the fence and I had a hard time understanding all that was said because of his Scottish accent. But I could tell what a nice guy he was. Not sure if I got more used to it or if he got more acclimated (was probably me). Denis and I played ALOT of quite average golf through the years. And we played a lot of cards with our wives. Sat with them at many many ISU football games when ISU wasn´t all that great. Great neighbors and great people. We were really sorry to see this in the paper today. Denis McGee, a great guy. You will be missed! R.I.P. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Gregg and Ruth Skluzacek"
"Carol and Fred. This goes back to so many years. If I had a Phone number, I would call you and the boys. Marty, Dennis, Judy, and I were very close, as you know. I can remember when we were at Judy and Dennis, Fred would knock on the door to come pick up Carol for a date. Man, does time fly. Many nights, Judy, Dennis, and others, including Les Anderson, would have Dinner at the Broiler. Yes, time does pass, but memories last forever. Dennis and Marty will have a cocktail in heaven for all of us. I Virginia, and doing well. 85 and still refereeing track and fielf. Larry L McHone 4802 Pool Side Road Virginia Beach VA 23455-5331 larry.mchone@gmail.com 515-290-0587 notice the 515 Say Hi To All and GO HUSKERS"