Dennis E. Julian

Dennis, our blessed son, brother, father, grandfather and friend to all, died peacefully on July 29, 2023 at the Iowa Veterans home in Marshalltown, Iowa with his son, David and daughter-in-law, Mary Julian, at his side. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, August 17, 2023 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Houston National Cemetery at a later date.

Dennis Earl Julian was born on March 12, 1949 in Mt. Carmel Hospital in Detroit, Michigan to Bernard “Barney” and Margaret (Fenger) Julian. Dennis enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 1, 1969 and earned two Purple Hearts, during his 3-year service in Vietnam. After his military service, Dennis married, had two children, and was living in Longview, Texas. In May of 1983, Dennis and his family were hit by a drunk driver. He sustained substantial brain injuries and lived 40 years as a quadriplegic. After the accident, with faithful devotion provided by his siblings and caregivers, he lived independently in Ann Arbor, Michigan for many years. Dennis moved to Iowa to live near his daughter in 2017 and thrived as a beloved member of the Iowa Veterans Home community.

Dennis had a strong faith in Jesus, and spent most mornings in prayer with his longtime friend and prayer companion, Elizabeth Seigel. With his bright smile and blue eyes, Dennis touched the hearts of many including his extended family, numerous friends, and especially the staff at the Iowa Veterans Home. He will be greatly missed.

Dennis leaves behind his son, David (Jessica) Julian; daughter, Nikki (Mary) Julian, four grandchildren, Michael, Cadence, Christian and Madison; three siblings, Thomas (Jean) Julian, Jackie Moorhead and Deborah Wilson; nieces, Dana (Robin) Cobb and Aimee Carevich; nephew, Brian (Kim) Carevich; as well as a grandniece and three grandnephews. Other family members include his maternal aunt, Shirley (Henry) Schneider. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Margaret Julian; brothers-in-law, Dan Wilson and Jim Moorhead; and nephew, Jason Moorhead.

Dennis’ family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the IVH staff and nurses as well as the staff of Iowa River Hospice for the amazing care, spiritual support, and love that was shown to him during his entire tenure and last days.

To learn more about Dennis’ extraordinary life, read his autobiography, “I Should Have Died 5 Times, Why am I Still Here?”, by Dennis Julian and Gary Mull.