Dennis Arkland

Dennis Arkland, 83, of Eldora, Iowa, passed away on the evening of Friday, March 18, 2022, in the comfort of his own home with his loving wife by his side.

Following Dennis’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no public services held at this time. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.abelsfuneralhomes.com. Creps Abels Funeral Home is caring for Dennis and his family.

Dennis Arkland was born on Nov. 19, 1938, in Eldora, Iowa, the son of Richard “Dick” and Ruth (Ames) Arkland. Dennis graduated from the school of hard knocks and was raised and educated in the Hardin County School district. Following his time in school, Dennis went on to honorably serve his Country by enlisting in the United States Navy serving as a Boat Coxswain aboard the USS Vernon County LST-1161. He served a total of six years; four years active and two years reserve and was very proud of the time he served. On July 1, 2000, Dennis was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nancy Gunter in Eldora, Iowa. The couple had been together for more than 40 years and cherished one another each and every day. The love between Dennis and Nancy was beautiful and all of the kids and grandkids could certainly tell. Even when Dennis had to have the television volume maxed out watching different rodeos, Nancy just put cotton in her ears and the couple enjoyed them together.

Dennis was one of the hardest working men out there. His work ethic led him to a job at the Eldora Training School where he would dedicate the next 13 years of his life. Following his career at the training school, Dennis owned and operated his own semi. He drove semi-truck for many years up until his retirement at age 65. After a short period of not driving, he became semi-retired by hauling grain for a local farmer. Dennis loved life and most importantly loved his family. He may not have always said those words to everyone, but his heart poured out love to them all. Dennis also loved spending every morning getting coffee with the guys. He was also a lover of animals and especially horses. Dennis enjoyed going to the horse sales with friends and family and he even trained a horse to jump up in the back of his pickup for a ride. He was one of the luckiest guys when it came to the casino and would normally leave with more money than what he walked in with. One of his and Nancy’s favorite activities was listening and dancing to classic country music and there wasn’t a supper club around they didn’t dance at. Dennis was most certainly a one-of-a-kind man who would do anything for anyone, and he will be missed dearly by those left behind.

Left to cherish Dennis’s memory are his loving wife, Nancy Arkland; children: Sonia Pikna, Lisa Arkland, and stepdaughter Susan (Dan) Kemnitz; grandchildren: Nathan Vanhorn, Jason Cory, Tana (Landis) Motley, Kade (Alysha) Beehrle, Lacee Samson, Laramie Arkland, Cheyanne Himes, Dakota Himes, Kelsey Dolash, Heather Wood and A.J. Wood; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Dick and Ruth; one daughter: Tonya Dolash; two brothers: Jerry and Terry Arkland and one sister: Sharon Steelman.