Dennis Paul Uthof, 74, of Mount Vernon, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 25, 2023, at his home following a brief illness. Funeral Services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 1, 2023, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. Rev. Sean Hansen officiated. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2023, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. Burial: Campbell Cemetery.
Dennis was born Oct. 27, 1948, in Algona, the son of Edwin F and Virgene M (Cornelius) Uthof. He grew up on a dairy farm close to Fenton, were he developed his love for farming. He graduated from Sentral High School (yes, with an “S”) in Fenton. Dennis was active in extra-curricular activities in high school and was especially involved in 4-H, where he won numerous awards showing his beef projects, attending county, district and even national shows.
Dennis continued his education in agriculture by attending Iowa State University and majoring in Animal Science. He was a member of the livestock judging team at ISU. Upon graduation, he accepted a professional farm management position with Hertz Farm Management and was employed there for 45 years, his entire working career. He made many friends and enjoyed his wonderful clients during his years there.
Dennis married Cheryl Berkland, Feb. 28, 1970 in Fenton. Together they moved to an acreage near Lisbon, when Dennis started with Hertz. A few years later, they moved to another farm in the area where they lived the rest of their married life, 53 years. There they raised corn, soybeans, alfalfa and Dennis’s prized herd of cattle. He sold many show calves to area 4-H youth and helped them get started raising their own cattle. Dennis rarely (if ever) missed the Iowa State Fair and loved to attend the steer and heifer shows.
Dennis was very active in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, most recently being an Elder for the church. He was heavily involved in the Linn County Cattlemen and a mentor and leader in 4-H.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Cheryl; sisters, Diane Laabs (Gary), Darlene Cherland (Steve), DeMaris Fritzler (Dave); brother, Darrel Uthof (Cindy); brother-in-law, Dennis Berkland (Vickie); and many nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon or Unity Point St. Luke’s Hospice, Cedar Rapids.
Please share your support and memories with Dennis’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries