Dennis Joseph Walljasper of Ankeny died August 9, 2019, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston after a courageous battle with cancer. Born to Katherine Hauber and Robert C. Walljasper on February 25, 1939, he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Iowa City in 1957, where he played on the 1956 and 1957 state championship basketball teams. He attended the University of Notre Dame on a basketball scholarship, earning an athletic letter. In 1961, he married his wife, Barbara Delaney.
After graduation, Dennis taught math and Spanish for 35 years—28 of them at Marshalltown High School. He also coached girls’ basketball and softball. In 1995, Dennis was inducted into the IHSAA Basketball Hall of Fame.
He fulfilled his retirement dream by building a log home on Sun Valley Lake, where he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and boating with his family. He’ll be remembered for his warm personality, sharp wit, and uncanny luck at the casino.
He is proceeded in death by his parents and brother Robert B. Walljasper. He is survived by his wife Barbara; siblings Dolores Moore, Stan (Marcia), Rita, and Terry (Ruth) Walljasper; sons Tim (Sandy), Gary (Cheri), Bill (Lori), and Phil (Kirsten) Walljasper; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5-7:30 pm on Thursday, August 15, at Ankeny Funeral Home. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will at 10:30 am on Friday, August 16 at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to MercyOne Cancer Center Nurse Navigation Program or Mercy Hospice-Johnston.