
Dennis (Denny) Wayne Sailsbury, age 78, passed away at his Ames, IA home on March 6, 2021 surrounded by his family. A gathering of friends and family will be 4-6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way Ames, with a 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 12, graveside service at Ames Municipal Cemetery. Masks and social distancing are required at both events.
Dennis was born in Ames, Iowa on September 24, 1942. He was the oldest of four children of Dale and Martha Sailsbury. He was a graduate of Ames High School and resided in Ames his entire life.
Dennis married Betty Borg, of Forest City, IA, on October 3, 1964. He had a passion for photography and worked at the Ames Laboratory as a photographer for over 40 years. He carried his passion of photography into his family vacations and holiday celebrations. He was heavily involved with his children’s (Hal, Eric, and Dan) activities. He rarely missed a practice or a game. He helped coached the sports teams they were involved in and was a cub scout leader for each of his three boys. He took many ski trips with his sons and grandchildren.
He was also devoted to his seven grandchildren (Chelsea, Alex, Jack, Roman, Calvin, Max, and Jonah). His grandkids had many overnights at grandpa and grandma’s house as they loved how he allowed them to stay up late to watch movies, eat chips and salsa, and make malts with grandpa. The morning always greeted the kids with his famous pancakes, as he was the only one that knew how to make them the “right way”.
He was a teacher at heart, as he loved teaching life skills to his kids and grandchildren on how to drive a boat, fish, camp, build wood working projects, and how to enjoy life.
Everyone knew Dennis as an avid RAGBRAI rider as he rode RAGBRAI for 27 years. After he decided not to ride anymore, he would provide support in transporting gear and setting up tents for his kids and grandkids when they would join the ride regularly.
Dennis was a staple in his involvement with Ames High School Football. During football season, for 40 years, you could find him on Friday nights volunteering his time at Ames High football games running the chains on the sidelines marking first downs. Because of his dedication and years of service, he received a distinguished service award from the Ames High School Athletic Department.
Dennis loved camping. He took his family on numerous camping trips over the years and spent many years with his sons and grandchildren on canoe trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota.
In retirement, he worked part time at Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University as a jack of all trades. He spent many hours building displays, performing maintenance on equipment, and mentored many of the student workers.
He was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis.
Dennis never turned down an opportunity to try something new, because he was always a kid at heart.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Betty; son Hal (Dana) and their three children, Chelsea Bright (Isaac and great-grandchild due May 27, 2021), Alex (fiancé Kiki Kramer), and Jack; son Eric (Margene) and their son Roman (fiancé Morgan Warbalow); son Dan (Megan) and their three sons Calvin, Max, and Jonah; his siblings Marilyn Smith of Jackson, MO, Paul of Ames, IA, and Glen of Dysart, IA. His parents, Dale and Martha, preceded Dennis’s passing.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Last Updated: May 28, 2021 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Dennis Sailsbury
Dennis (Denny) Wayne Sailsbury, age 78, passed away at his Ames, IA home on March 6, 2021 surrounded by his family. A gathering of friends and family will be 4-6:00 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way Ames, with a 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 12, graveside service at Ames Municipal Cemetery. Masks and social distancing are required at both events.
Dennis was born in Ames, Iowa on September 24, 1942. He was the oldest of four children of Dale and Martha Sailsbury. He was a graduate of Ames High School and resided in Ames his entire life.
Dennis married Betty Borg, of Forest City, IA, on October 3, 1964. He had a passion for photography and worked at the Ames Laboratory as a photographer for over 40 years. He carried his passion of photography into his family vacations and holiday celebrations. He was heavily involved with his children’s (Hal, Eric, and Dan) activities. He rarely missed a practice or a game. He helped coached the sports teams they were involved in and was a cub scout leader for each of his three boys. He took many ski trips with his sons and grandchildren.
He was also devoted to his seven grandchildren (Chelsea, Alex, Jack, Roman, Calvin, Max, and Jonah). His grandkids had many overnights at grandpa and grandma’s house as they loved how he allowed them to stay up late to watch movies, eat chips and salsa, and make malts with grandpa. The morning always greeted the kids with his famous pancakes, as he was the only one that knew how to make them the “right way”.
He was a teacher at heart, as he loved teaching life skills to his kids and grandchildren on how to drive a boat, fish, camp, build wood working projects, and how to enjoy life.
Everyone knew Dennis as an avid RAGBRAI rider as he rode RAGBRAI for 27 years. After he decided not to ride anymore, he would provide support in transporting gear and setting up tents for his kids and grandkids when they would join the ride regularly.
Dennis was a staple in his involvement with Ames High School Football. During football season, for 40 years, you could find him on Friday nights volunteering his time at Ames High football games running the chains on the sidelines marking first downs. Because of his dedication and years of service, he received a distinguished service award from the Ames High School Athletic Department.
Dennis loved camping. He took his family on numerous camping trips over the years and spent many years with his sons and grandchildren on canoe trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota.
In retirement, he worked part time at Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University as a jack of all trades. He spent many hours building displays, performing maintenance on equipment, and mentored many of the student workers.
He was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis.
Dennis never turned down an opportunity to try something new, because he was always a kid at heart.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Betty; son Hal (Dana) and their three children, Chelsea Bright (Isaac and great-grandchild due May 27, 2021), Alex (fiancé Kiki Kramer), and Jack; son Eric (Margene) and their son Roman (fiancé Morgan Warbalow); son Dan (Megan) and their three sons Calvin, Max, and Jonah; his siblings Marilyn Smith of Jackson, MO, Paul of Ames, IA, and Glen of Dysart, IA. His parents, Dale and Martha, preceded Dennis’s passing.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Ames Convention and Visitor Bureau
Last Updated: June 7, 2024 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Last Updated: February 20, 2021 by Joe T Leave a Comment
2020 Board Minutes
Minutes, 12.03.20
November 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Minutes, 11.12.20
Minutes, 11.05.20
October 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Minutes, 10.01.20
September 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Minutes, 09.03.20
August 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Minutes, 08.06.20
July 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Minutes, 07.02.20
June 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Minutes, 06.04.20
May 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Minutes, 05.28.20
Minutes, 05.21.20
Minutes, 05.07.20
April 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Minutes, 04.23.20
Minutes, 04.16.20
Minutes, 03.27.20, Executive Committee
Minutes, 03.05.20
March 2020 Treasurer’s Report
February 2020 Treasurer’s Report
January 2020 Treasurer’s Report
Board Minutes, 01.09.20
December 2019 Treasurer’s Report
Iowa Turkey Federation
Posted: December 12, 2020 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Gretta Irwin, Executive Director of the Iowa Turkey Federation, recently spoke to Golden K members at their weekly Thursday 9AM “virtual” meeting. Ms. Irwin, who has been with the Turkey Federation for 26 years, shared a number of fascinating insights about the Iowa and U.S.A. Turkey Industry:
Irwin concluded her presentation by noting that the Federation will be publishing a new cookbook in 2021 titled “Everyday Turkey”.
Ames Park & Recreation
Posted: December 12, 2020 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Keith Abraham, Director of Ames Parks and Recreation, was the guest speaker at a recent Ames Golden K Kiwanis Thursday meeting, which continues to be held virtually. Mr. Abraham, a 27-year Parks and Rec veteran, has served as its Director since 2013. Abraham provided a comprehensive overview of the recently completed Ames Miracle League Park, including a visual “walk-thru” of the playground equipment, and details regarding the transfer of ownership from the Ames Foundation to the City of Ames. He stressed that those of all ages and abilities can use the Playground and the Park. Abraham also updated members on projects that are currently planned, in process or completed:
Inis Grove Park–Restrooms are being remodeled and motion sensors installed.–
Bandshell Park–New Lighting–
Brookside Park–New Restrooms–
River Valley Park Low Head Dam Improvements, including a Kayak Path, Fish Paths, Pedestrian Paths and Parking Lots.–
Homewood Park Clubhouse–Demolish and Rebuild–
Sunset Ridge Park {N. of Wilder}–Install Playground–
Establishment of Tahira & Labh Hira Park at the Old Edwards School Site–
Downtown Plaza–Awaiting City Council Approval/Guidance–
Pickleball Courts–Now available at McCarthy Lee Park–
Accessible Kayak/Canoe Launching Area–If fundraising successful, will be installed at Ada Hayden Park.–
Ames Foundation Tree Planting throughout Ames to replace Ash Trees and trees destroyed in the August Derecho–
New Pedestrian Bridge from McCarthy Lee Park to Oakland Street–Nearing completion
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