Dennis John King, 81, of Grand Island, passed away on August 31, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society- Grand Island Village.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 5-7 pm at All Faiths Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 10:30 am at Trinity United Methodist Church- Gollaher Chapel, with Reverends April and Anny officiating. Burial will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Air Force and United Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorials are suggested to family for later designation.
Dennis was born on February 16, 1943 in Santa Monica, CA, to John and Luella (Snyder) King. He was raised and received his education in Mason City, IA, graduating from Mason City High School in 1960. He then went on to attend college before joining the United States Air Force in March of 1963.
On June 26, 1966, Dennis was united in marriage to Ilene Kay Gilman. Two daughters were blessed into this union, Cheri and Michelle. In 1967, after being honorably discharged from the Air Force, the couple made their home in Grand Island. Dennis made his career with Northwestern Bell, retiring following 38 years of service.
Dennis loved being a husband, father and grandpa. Following the tragic passing of daughter, Cheri, Dennis knew the true meaning of grieving and loss. His special bond with daughter Michelle was unshakable to his very final breath. Dennis found joy when he became a grandpa to Brandon and Jaden. He loved and adored his grandsons. They enjoyed fishing, Kayaking, canoeing and playing catch together just to name a few. He was their mentor. Later, his love grew deeper becoming a great grandpa to Kaidyn, his new fishing buddy. Dennis became a great grandpa a second time to baby Collins.
Dennis was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Telephone Pioneers. In his spare time, Dennis could be found, playing basketball, co-ed softball, slow pitch softball, or handball. He volunteered collecting cans for Habitat for Humanity. His favorite sports teams were the Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeyes. More than anything, Dennis loved spending time with his family.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Ilene; daughter, Michelle Salpas (Greg Lytle); two grandsons, Brandon (Kelsey) Salpas, and Jaden Salpas; and two great grandchildren, Kaidyn Wayne and Collins Elizabeth.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Cheri King.