Dennis L. Deselms

Memorial Services for Dennis L. Deselms will be held on Monday, December 9, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Nora Mendyk officiating. Inurnment will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Highland Union Cemetery in rural Gosper County, Nebraska with Military Honors provided by the Oxford American Legion Post #219 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Dennis Lee Deselms, 67 years of age, of Kearney, Nebraska, formerly of Marysville, Washington, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019 at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney. Dennis was born on January 6, 1952 in Alma, Nebraska, the second of four children born to Rodney and Erma (Peterson) Deselms.

He attended Holdrege Public Schools and later graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1970.  On November 7, 1972, Dennis enlisted into the United States Army at Fort Riley, Kansas and served in Schwabach, Germany, as an Armor Crewman.  He received several honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and was chosen to guard The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Due to family circumstances, Dennis was unable to accept this offer at that time.  Dennis still considered this a great honor, as few are ever chosen.

In Dennis' own words, "I found two women to marry me."  On February 27, 1972, he was united in marriage to Margaret Havens and to this union one son, Shawn, was born in Germany.  Upon completion of his enlistment, Dennis returned to Manhattan, Kansas and owned and operated his own car dealership.  At that time, he also worked in real estate, RV sales and owned a Christmas tree farm.  Later, he was united in marriage to Lisa Leitenberger on March 17, 1985, and to this union was blessed a set of twins:  Dustin and Danielle.

In his younger years, Dennis held a private pilot license and enjoyed flying to Nebraska to visit family.  He also enjoyed fishing, boating, singing songs around the campfire, storytelling, and taking his grandsons and visitors to see sites of the state he loved.  Dennis was a great historian and family genealogist.  He has mentored family and friends with his broad knowledge and caring ways.  He had a loving heart, great sense of humor, and especially had a love for Christmas and making children smile.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.

He leaves to celebrate his life; his three sisters:  Ronda (Steve) Claar, Judy Anderson, and Debra (Jeff) Giovanetti; his children:  Shawn, Dustin (Kayla), and Danielle (Skeeter); five grandchildren:  Matthew, Jacob, Andrew, Brianna, and Caylin; special nieces:  Kassi (Aaron) Zikmund, Elicia Giovanetti, Tiffini Giovanetti, and Kayla Anderson; special nephews:  Jeffery (Kathy) Claar, Pat (Kim) Claar, and David (Jenna) Anderson; step-daughter, Jackie; ex-daughter-in-law, Diane; great-niece and great-nephew, Kenzie Claar and Daniel Claar; beloved and special friend, Kay Scheller;   along with many cousins and extended family members.

The family is honoring his wish for cremation.  There will be no viewing or visitation.

A memorial has been established in Dennis' honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.