Dennis Dean Nurse, son of Kenneth and Della (Wadsworth) Nurse, was born October 31, 1943, in Omaha, NE. The family relocated to Hartley, IA where Dennis received his education, graduating from Hartley High School with the class of 1961. He continued his education through USD, earning his Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in accounting.
From February 1966 to February 1968, Dennis proudly served his country with the United States Army. On August 13, 1967, he was united in marriage to Carol Lyn Bengston in Wausa, NE. They became the parents of two children: Michelle Lee and Kara Kay. Dennis landed a job with the U.S. Postal Service where he remained for his entire working career. On October 10, 1980, he was joined in marriage to Denise Lynn Hickmon in Lake Park, IA, adding two stepsons to the family: Jarod and Clinton.
Dennis and Denise made their home in Hartley, IA and were members of Trinity United Church of Christ located there. Together they enjoyed golfing, fishing and being part of the Cherokee Harley-Davidson Hog Chapter. Dennis was a member of the Hartley American Legion Post #288, serving as Chaplain for several years. A memorable highlight for him was traveling to Washington, D.C. as part of an Honor Flight. He also loved gun collecting, golfing in “Old Farts & Carts”, and painting with Big Ed. Of course, he always found time to watch his grandsons participate in their school activities or sit and visit with family and friends over a cold one. He especially cherished his connections with lifelong school friends, John Beck, Don Speck and Eugene Walrod.
After retiring from the Post Office in March of 2000, Dennis wanted something to do to keep him busy, so he began a window washing business and simply called it “The Window Washer”. He made many friends during this phase of his life and became a household name in the community.
On Monday, February 3, 2025, Dennis left this world at the age of 81 years. He leaves behind his wife, Denise of Hartley, IA; daughters: Michelle (Darwin) Flick of Primghar, IA, and Kara (Mark) Snyder of Sanborn, IA; grandsons: Adam Heyn, Sam Heyn, Kelly Flick and Kyle Flick; granddaughters: Samantha (Matthew) Sulsenti and Katie Flick; great-granddaughter, Emerson Sulsenti; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant siblings: Joyce and Stanley; and stepson, Jarod.
A funeral service was held February 6 at Trinity United Church of Christ, Hartley, Iowa with Dr. Lynn Dau officiating.
Songs of Praise were “In The Garden,” “How Great Thou Art” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” The organist was Julie Back.
Pallbearers were Sam Heyn, Adam Heyn, Darwin Flick, Terry Hilbert, Mark Snyder, Ryan Brehmer, Doug Van Voorst and John Schierholz.
Honorary Pallbearers were Eddie Schierholz, Don Speck, Eugene Walford, Roger Christ, Gerald Nagel, John Beck, Eldon Meinke, Fuzzy Wohlert and Doug Stoermer.
Military Graveside Rites were conducted by Hartley American Legion Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288.
Burial was at Pleasant View Cemetery, Hartley, Iowa.
Sanborn and Hartley Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.