
Dennis Edward Sutherland
Dennis Edward Sutherland, 78, of Van Meter, died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Adel Chapel. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Van Meter American Legion Hall. A private family inurnment with military honors will be held on Monday, Feb. 10 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Van Meter American Legion Post No. 403. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
Dennis was born on Nov. 6, 1946, in northwest Iowa. He graduated from Adel High School in 1964. Dennis took great pride in his military service, and the lessons he learned during those years remained with him for the rest of his life.
On Sept. 25, 1976, Dennis married Elaine Culbertson in Van Meter. Together, they built a beautiful life and a big, loving family.
A proud member of the Van Meter American Legion Post No. 403, Dennis dedicated much of his time to his fellow veterans. He was also a member of the Van Meter Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for many years. He worked as a machinist at John Deere for 30 years, retiring in 1995, and later spent several years working in conservation.
He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening and beekeeping. Dennis was also a gifted cook and canner and took great pride in his famous brisket. He enjoyed building and repairing anything he could, from smokers to birdhouses.
His family was his greatest joy. He was a devoted husband, father and “Papa,” who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Sutherland; children, Christy (Mark) Vesey, Kimberley (Marvin) Firch, Sean (Kathy) Culbertson and Scott (Cindi) Culbertson; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sandy (Jim) Garoutte, Deani (Jeff) Montang, Ronnie (Kristi) Sutherland, Joani (Floyd) Groves and Carol (Bill) Barrow; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Lois Sutherland, and his brother, Roger Sutherland.
Dennis was born on Nov. 6, 1946, in northwest Iowa. He graduated from Adel High School in 1964. Dennis took great pride in his military service, and the lessons he learned during those years remained with him for the rest of his life.
On Sept. 25, 1976, Dennis married Elaine Culbertson in Van Meter. Together, they built a beautiful life and a big, loving family.
A proud member of the Van Meter American Legion Post No. 403, Dennis dedicated much of his time to his fellow veterans. He was also a member of the Van Meter Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for many years. He worked as a machinist at John Deere for 30 years, retiring in 1995, and later spent several years working in conservation.
He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening and beekeeping. Dennis was also a gifted cook and canner and took great pride in his famous brisket. He enjoyed building and repairing anything he could, from smokers to birdhouses.
His family was his greatest joy. He was a devoted husband, father and “Papa,” who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Sutherland; children, Christy (Mark) Vesey, Kimberley (Marvin) Firch, Sean (Kathy) Culbertson and Scott (Cindi) Culbertson; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sandy (Jim) Garoutte, Deani (Jeff) Montang, Ronnie (Kristi) Sutherland, Joani (Floyd) Groves and Carol (Bill) Barrow; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Lois Sutherland, and his brother, Roger Sutherland.