A memorial service for Dennis McMillan, 75, of Milford, was held Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji.
Dennis Dale McMillan, 75, of Milford, Iowa, died peacefully with his wife by his side at Ruthven Community Care Center. He was born to Glen Dale and Marjorie Ann (Kunze) McMillan on July 29, 1948, in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. His family moved to Lake Park, Iowa, in the 1950s where he graduated from high school in 1966.
From 1968-1972, Den served in the U.S. Navy where he was involved in aircraft maintenance on board a navy ship. During this time, he was stationed in the Philippines where, in his spare time, he raced dirt bikes.
In 1973, while visiting friends in Seattle, his soon to be wife, Diane Ackerman, talked him into tying the knot. With their friends by their sides, they were married in Seattle, Washington,on January 3, 1974.
Den and his wife worked for Fred Carlson Construction (road) from 1973-1979. During the off season, they both worked for August Scheppmann in Heron Lake, Minnesota, sanding and painting heavy equipment. From 1980-1984, Den worked for Royal Scott Sales out of Holstein, Iowa, and Farner Bocken out of Carroll, Iowa, selling cigarettes, candy, and paper supplies to area businesses.
Den was very knowledgeable about cars; especially cars from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. He loved cars! From 1984-2010 he was a car salesman for dealerships in the lakes area and in Spencer. Den enjoyed collecting 1:18 inch scale model cars, trucks and street rods; but, his greatest joy was his 1979 Ford F150 4×4 truck which he helped to build the 460 engine in it. The truck was driven to many car shows and brought many trophies to the household which his wife loved to dust. Den was also an owner of a 1973 Ford Bronco.
Den and Diane were married fifty years. Yes, they had their ups and downs, but they loved each other with their whole hearts. The last seven years were a great showing of their strength and love for each other. Den suffered from dementia and this past year, he was living at the Ruthven Community Care Center. Even with his dementia, he would greet Diane with a big smile and say “Well there she is”. He would joke with the staff and was quick to answer their questions with quirks or raise his eyebrow and smile. When Diane was getting ready to leave from a visit, he always hugged her, kissed her and they both exchanged their love for each other.
Den is survived by his wife, Diane McMillan, of Milford; sister, Jan Hellige of Olathe, Kansas; two nephews and one niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Marjorie.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
