In Memory of Dennis D. Mandernach

Dennis D. Mandernach, age 79, of Galva, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Odebolt United Methodist Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Pastor Nancy Peterson will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Odebolt Cemetery in Odebolt, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Odebolt United Methodist Church of Odebolt, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Dennis Don Mandernach, the son of Donald and Myrtle (Richardson) Mandernach, was born on September 6, 1946, in Odebolt, Iowa. He grew up in Odebolt and received his education from Odebolt-Arthur High School graduating with the class of 1964. 

Dennis spent his life devoted to farming and caring for the land he loved. The family farm was more than just his livelihood; it was his passion, where he found purpose in every season and took great pride in the fields he cultivated. Although Dennis officially retired from farming in 2020, his heart never truly left the farm. He remained deeply connected to the land, always enjoying time in the fields, sharing his knowledge, and taking pride in the generations who carried on the family tradition.

On March 27, 1964, Dennis was united in marriage to Toni Wallace. Together they were blessed with three children: Kristy, Scott, and Trevor. Although their marriage later ended, they shared many years together raising their family. On February 10, 1996, Dennis married Diann Kluver. With their marriage, he joyfully welcomed Diann's children, Debora, Julie, and Daniel, creating a loving blended family that remained an important part of his life. 

Dennis had a competitive spirit that stayed with him throughout his life. In his younger years, he was an exceptional swimmer, cross country runner, and an accomplished bowler. His talent on the lanes led him beyond local bowling leagues to regional competitions, even earning him the opportunity to compete on television during a tournament. Whether competing himself or cheering from the sidelines, Dennis had a deep love for sports. He especially treasured watching his grandchildren compete, rarely missing the chance to encourage and support them. 

A devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the St. Louis Cardinals, he faithfully followed his favorite teams through every season. He also enjoyed a spirited game of dominoes, where his competitive nature and quick wit were always on full display. Dennis was a past member of Wheeler Lodge No. 398 in Odebolt, served on the Farmers’ Cooperative Elevator Board, and was a faithful member of Silver Creek United Methodist Church in Galva, Iowa. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. 

Left to cherish his memory include his wife Diann Mandernach of Galva, IA; children Kristy (Paul) Arbegast of Arthur, IA, Trevor (Robin) Mandernach of Vermillion, SD, Debora Kluver of Colorado, Julie Kluver of Colorado, and Daniel (Kathy) Kluver of Storm Lake, IA; daughter-in-law Mindi Nees of Breda, IA; grandchildren Leah (Brad), Brianna, Royce (fiancée Paige), Karlie (Kent), Clayton (Taytum), Kacie, Lauren, Caiden, Calvin (Mandy), Lindsay (Nick), and Lisa (AJ); 15 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Ann (Steve) Leonard; brother-in-law Mike (Diane) Wallace; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Myrtle Mandernach; son Scott Mandernach; mother-in-law Buelah Grell; and sister-in-law Marlene Wimmer.