Dennison Clark Stookesberry disappeared from the Blakesburg area in February 1999. More than 27 years later, he remains missing, and authorities continue to consider the case unresolved.
Stookesberry was 56 years old when he disappeared. He lived in rural Blakesburg in Wapello County and was classified as disabled. According to Iowa Cold Cases, he was 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed about 230 pounds, had black hair and hazel eyes, and used a cane to walk. He also wore eyeglasses.
Last Known Sighting
Stookesberry was last seen alive on February 8, 1999. Iowa Cold Cases reports that a fishing companion dropped him off at his home in Blakesburg after the two had been out that evening. The disappearance was not reported to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office until February 15, one week later.
When investigators examined Stookesberry’s home, several things stood out.
His dinner had been left unfinished, including a deer steak in the microwave. Butter was reportedly still sitting on the kitchen table. Laundry had been left outside on the clothesline, and clothing had been left in rinse water.
Four dogs were also left behind.
Stookesberry’s diabetes and heart medications remained at the home. Investigators also noted that he did not drive and relied on a cane to get around. Iowa Cold Cases lists the case as a missing and endangered person investigation.
Investigation
Authorities have suspected foul play in Stookesberry’s disappearance and believe he may have been taken against his will. Iowa Cold Cases states that authorities believe he is deceased, although no remains have been located.
At one point, investigators searched property near Eddyville in Monroe County. According to the Charley Project, a pond on a farm was drained as part of the search for Stookesberry. The property had been owned by the Wignall family at the time of his disappearance. The search did not locate his body.
Stookesberry had lived in Blakesburg for approximately 13 years before he disappeared. He never returned home, and there has been no confirmed sighting of him since February 8, 1999.
Case Remains Unsolved
Stookesberry’s disappearance remains listed as an unsolved case involving the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office. His case number is 024499, and his NamUs missing-person number is MP32590. Iowa Cold Cases reports that DNA family reference information has been submitted and that fingerprint information is available through the investigating agency.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety also listed Dennison Clark Stookesberry in its missing-person bulletins following his disappearance.
Today, the case remains open with no confirmed explanation for what happened to Stookesberry.
Investigating agency: Wapello County Sheriff’s Office
Case number: 024499
NamUs number: MP32590
Last seen: February 8, 1999
Reported missing: February 15, 1999
Location: Blakesburg, Iowa
