Dean Wesley Vennink

Dean Wesley, son of Carol and Genevieve (Miller) Vennink, was born May 27, 1952 at Carroll, Iowa. He grew up in Manilla and attended schools there, graduating with the Manilla High School Class of 1970. He was baptized on April 5, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Manilla where he was later confirmed and was still a member (United Church of Manilla.) When he was growing up in Manilla, Dean learned the mechanics trade from his great uncle Clarence Miller in his Chevy Garage in Manilla. Following graduation, he worked at Bob Mathers Auto Center in Denison as shop foreman. Dean was united in marriage with Jodie Mary Hansen at Denison in May of 1976. They were the parents of three children and made their home in Denison. Dean worked for many years at Dalton Auto in Denison. His long time friends always knew him as Reverend Skinner.' His affinity for working on anything with an engine was no secret to anyone; nor was his ability to Venninkize' anything that didn't work according to plan. He also utilized his mechanical ability to restore classic cars and he enjoyed exhibiting his '55 Chevy around Iowa and Minnesota. When he moved to Manilla in 2000 he opened his own auto service business called Skinner's Midnite Auto where he and his son provided Big City Experience with Small Town Charm.' In addition to his mechanics work, Dean enjoyed hunting and was a devotee of NASCAR and stock car racing. Above all, he was a devoted father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Dean suffered a number of health issues and died at his home in Manilla on Friday, December 17, 2010 at the age of 58 years, 6 months and 20 days. Preceding him in death are his parents and niece Keli DeMey. Dean is survived by three children and six grandchildren: Daniel John Vennink of Manilla and his children Jon, Dylan, Zachary, Jacob and Alex; Wesley Dean Vennink of Farmington, MN and his daughter Mallory; and Trisha Marie Vennink of Farmington, MN; siblings: Donna and husband Don DeMey Jr. of Denison; Darlys and husband Craig Whited of Reddington Beach, FL; Dana Vennink and wife Staci of Storm Lake; Diann and husband Kevin Moorman of Athens, GA; and Danette Fox of Carroll; his loyal Yorkie companion Buddy'; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Officiating Pastor Angie Loomis Recorded Music "Amazing Grace" "How Great Thou Art" "Go Rest High On That Mountain" Vince Gill "I Can Only Imagine" Mercy Me Casketbearers Chris Jensen Cody Fox Ryan DeMey Chad Preul Ron Johnson Craig Jensen Paul Heiman Interment Nishnabotna Cemetery Manilla, Iowa