Dennis Hanna Obituary

GUTTENBERG, IOWA

Dennis LeRoy Hanna, age 93, of Guttenberg, Iowa passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Guttenberg Care Center.

Dennis (Denny) Hanna was born on January 14, 1932, in Forest City, Iowa. He was the fourth child of Melvin and Ida (Holland) Hanna. His three brothers, Kenneth, Arvid and Leonard welcomed him home.

It was during a bout with scarlet fever as a child that Denny began drumming on his mother’s pots and pans, which led to a life-long love of music, especially percussion. At Forest City High School, Denny was involved in music, track (pole vault) and basketball. He graduated in 1950 and enlisted in the Navy, following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps by serving our country. He was in the Navy from 1950 to 1954, where he was trained as a tail gunner serving aboard the USS Midway and USS Coral Sea. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Denny enrolled at Drake University where he earned a degree in Music Education in 1958.

While at Drake, Denny met the love of his life, Gayle Sager. They met when he was assigned to teach her to play the bass drum for the Drake Concert band. They were married on June 16, 1956, in Horicon, Wisconsin. From this union a daughter, Vicki, was born. Denny loved his family, spending time with them golfing, traveling, playing music and attending many events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In the fall of 1958, Denny (Mr. Hanna) began a 33-year career as the band director at Guttenberg Community School District, retiring in 1991. Many of his students have continued to play music professionally and in community bands. He may not remember his former students’ names, but he could tell you what instrument they played.

Denny was very involved in the American Legion, in particular with the Hawkeye Boys State program beginning in 1964 serving as a counselor. Over the next 60 years, he would serve in many roles, including the band director and even the top leadership role of State Director for many years.

He also was a long-time member of the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) where many friendships from all over the country were developed. Family vacations were often planned around summer conventions in various places throughout the United States. After retiring from Guttenberg Community Schools, he would serve as the office manager for many years.

Beginning in 1991, Denny served as the leader of the world-renowned Guttenberg German Band. In addition to playing gigs all over the Midwest, the band made two trips to Europe, sharing their love of music in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Denny was a member of the local Mason and Shrine organizations for over 50 years where he also held many leadership positions.

Dennis Hanna is survived by his wife of 69 years, Gayle; daughter, Vicki (Brian) Rodenberg of Guttenberg; grandsons: Dennis (Elise) Rodenberg of Mount Vernon, Iowa and Isaac (Kristin) Rodenberg of Urbandale, Iowa; and great-grandchildren: Marlena, Rosie, Liesl, Willow and Fritz Rodenberg. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law; two nephews; a niece and a great-niece.

Many thanks to the caregivers at the Guttenberg Hospital, River Living Center, Guttenberg Care Center and St. Croix Hospice Care.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 4-7 PM at the Morris funeral home in Guttenberg and one hour before the funeral service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, Iowa. A Masonic service will be held at 7 PM at the Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg on Sunday. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg. Burial will follow in Guttenberg City Cemetery where military honors will be accorded.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family. Information is available at https://www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.