Dennis Hudson Ehlert

Dennis Hudson Ehlert, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2010 at his rural Cambridge Iowa home.  Dennis, 69, was called to peace surrounded by his wife of 44 years, his 5 children and his two loving sister-in-laws.  Funeral services will be held 10:30 am on Thursday, July 15 at Memorial Lutheran Church, 2228 Lincoln Way in Ames.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 14 with the family present from 5-8:00 pm at Chet Ryan Mortuary, 708 Fifth Street in Nevada. Dennis was born May 12, 1941 to Hudson and Mamie (Voss) Ehlert in rural Woodbine, IA.  He graduated from Woodbine High School in 1959 and attended Iowa State University and Wayne State College. Dennis married Lorraine (Hawn) Ehlert on August 14, 1965 in Missouri Valley, Iowa and their love graced them with 5 children.  They made their family home on a farm in rural Cambridge for the past 35 years.  Dennis enjoyed hobby-farming, working at Joy and Johnson Auction in Ames, Iowa and following his children's activities.  He loved to travel with his family, coordinate events and spend time with the ones he loved.  He was the true patriarch for his entire family. Dennis worked for the State o...[more]

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owa for 31 years, 2 years with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and then the remainder of his career with the Iowa Department of Transportation in the Division of Motor Vehicles.  Dennis retired in 1998 and then in 2001, Dennis and Lorraine spent time in Woodbine where they cared for Dennis' mother, Mamie.  While in Woodbine, Dennis was an active participant of the community and a member of the men's choir, The Notables.  Dennis was a devoted member of the Memorial Lutheran Church in Ames and became an active member of the Nevada Golden Kiwanis Club.  He loved being close to his family and grandkids. Dennis is cherished by his wife and best friend, Lorraine, he was "Dad" to 4 daughters and a son - Christine (Amy) Ehlert of Ames, Stacie (Nick) Herridge of Nevada, Jeremy (Jamie) Ehlert of Grimes, Jennifer (Matt) Zeka of Clive, and Katherine (Travis) Ehlert-Johnson of Boxholm.  Dennis was "Papa" to 8 grandchildren - Carter, Samantha, Hudson, Salem, Amelia, Jack, Quinn and a baby granddaughter due July 30.  Dennis was also brother to Roger (Jeanne) Ehlert of Haysville, KS and Jeanne (Robert) Jackson of Anita as well as brothers-in-law, Vernon (Phyllis) Hawn of California, Jack Hawn of Dunlap, Pat Hawn of Omaha and sister-in-laws, Audrey (Hawn) Baber of Omaha and Ardyth (Hawn) Miller of Springfield, IL.  Dennis is also remembered by his four aunts and was the favorite "Uncle Denny" to many nieces and nephews and beloved by his many cousins. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Hudson and Mamie Ehlert.  
Service:

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 15 at Memorial Lutheran Church, 2228 Lincoln Way in Ames.

Cemetery:

Dennis will be cremated immediately following the funeral service.