Dennis L. Wegner, 79, of Ottumwa, died October 16, 2023 at Vista Woods Care Center.
He was born March 18, 1944 in Kalamazoo, MI to Harold and Wilma Kwekeboom Wegner. He married Carole Aardsma and to this union 2 sons were born, Lorin and Darryl. He married Saundra JoAnn Swanson Anderson in 1994.
Dennis earned a B.A. from Hope College in Holland, MI and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin., as well as completing postdoctoral training at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Upon graduation, he worked as a clinical microbiologist at Mercy Hospital and at Iowa Methodist Medical Center both in Des Moines. Dennis moved to Ottumwa in 1980 to work as a consulting clinical microbiologist at Collaborative Laboratory Services, retiring in 2011. In his retirement, Dennis helped at the Ezra Free Clinic and as a substitute teacher in the surrounding school districts where he made many connections.
A nationally recognized and award-winning speaker, Dennis enjoyed sharing his knowledge as a lecturer-at-large at workshops for various hospitals throughout the United States, Egypt and Canada as well as many medical publications.
Dennis was a member Wesley United Methodist Church and currently of Grace Ottumwa. He was a member of American Society for Microbiology, Southwestern Association of Clinical Microbiology and the YMCA in Ottumwa.
Surviving is his wife of 29 years, JoAnn; son, Darryl (Rachel) Wegner of VA and their children, Micah and Grace Wegner; son, John (McKenna) Anderson of Ottumwa and their children, Sophia Clingman, Grayson Anderson and Althea Anderson; honorary grandchildren, Maggie Haw, Robert Haw and Johnny Haw all of Ottumwa; 2 brothers, Vernon (Tina) Wegner and Wesley (Denice) Wegner both of North Muskegon, MI; sister-in-law, Jan Wegner of North Muskegon, MI; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Lorin Wegner and a brother, Marvin Wegner.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 24th at Grace Ottumwa with Pastor Chris Childs and Crystal James officiating. Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery. The family will be present at the church to greet friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
