Donald Dick Dusenbery

September 14, 1928 - March 13, 2018

Dick Dusenbery, 89, of Oskaloosa passed away March 13, 2018, under hospice care at the Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa. Donald Dick Dusenbery, son of Harry A. and Philippine Brecht Dusenbery, was born September 14, 1928, at the home of his parents in West Chester, Iowa. He was a graduate of West Chester High School in 1946 and was drafted into the U.S. Army November 29, 1950. A veteran of combat, he served as a corporal in the 25th Infantry Division 725 Ordnance. Upon his discharge August 29, 1952, he returned to Iowa and soon was employed by the Kaser Corporation as a prospector, drilling core holes for rock and sediment samples. A blind date in November 1955 with a University of Iowa Freshman, led to a whirlwind- romance and his marriage to the love-of-his-life, Sandra Kay Hanson. They were married September 9, 1956, at Bethany Lutheran Church in McCallsburg, Iowa. They made their home in rural Knoxville for a time, before moving to Oskaloosa in June 1959. Dick worked 40 years for Kaser Corp. traveling the entire state and retired in 1992. He had to surrender his “work” vehicle with his retirement, so he awarded himself a new Jeep pickup that was perfect for all his hunting and fishing needs. At the suggestion of his wife, Dick also took up gardening. He was a perfectionist gardener, the weeds never had a chance, and he implemented all his mother’s secrets for growing the healthiest produce. Dick was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa since 1960; he had an absolute belief in Jesus’ promises; he had no fear of death and knew that someday he would walk with his Lord. In 2016, Dick and Sandy celebrated their 60th anniversary at their church with their friends and family. Dick’s grandchildren were the light in his life; he had no doubt that they were the “best grandchildren in every way”. His family includes his wife, Sandy; his children and their spouses; Tamara Dawn and Ted Kriegel of Brooklyn, IA, Jack Brian and Holly Dusenbery of Cedar Falls, IA, James Patrick Dusenbery of Brooklyn, IA, and Joel Donald and Jamey Dusenbery of Grinnell, IA; his grandchildren: Lacey Dawn (Curt) Kline, Kelsey Jeanette Dusenbery, Lynsey Kay Kriegel, Camden Brian Dusenbery and Taylor Fei-Louse Dusenbery; and the newest member of the family, his great-granddaughter, Charlotte Kay Kline, whom he called his “replacement”. He is also survived by a brother, William; a sister, Nedra Hearron of Leon, Iowa; and sisters-in-law, Patricia Dusenbery and Jeaniene Dusenbery, both of Washington, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Kenneth and Harry Dale Dusenbery, brother-in-law, Marion Hearron; and sister-in-law, Marlys Dusenbery A memorial service for Dick will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday morning, March 24, 2018, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Neumann officiating. A visitation will be held in conjunction with the luncheon following the service. As was his wish, Dick’s body has been cremated, and burial of his ashes will be done privately at Wellman Cemetery in Wellman, IA. Langkamp Funeral Chapel and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials can be made to Grace Lutheran Church for Youth Scholarships and Disaster Aid and Relief.