Dennis Wayne Bappe

Obituary For Dennis Wayne Bappe

Denny Bappe, 76, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away on August 11, 2025.

Denny was born on November 3, 1948 in Ames, Iowa. He graduated from Ames High School in 1967. He was on an exceptional basketball team and also participated in football and baseball. He went on to enroll at Iowa State University, where he played as a punter for the freshman football team and was invited to try out for the basketball team.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Denny enlisted in the Navy and served in Vietnam. The discipline, responsibility, and deep love for his country that he gained during his military service remained with him throughout his life.

Upon return from service, Denny married Martha and had four children: Jeffrey, Edward, Sarah, and Amy. Denny actively participated in his children’s upbringing by coaching baseball and basketball. Denny was an avid Hawkeye fan and loved the Beatles. Denny was also very artistic and creative which led to great outcomes for his children’s school projects and Halloween costumes.

Denny started working for Sunstrand (Danfoss Power Solutions) in 1973 and retired in 2018. He was a respected leader who valued building genuine relationships, cared deeply for his employees, and led with compassion.

Dennis is survived by his children, Jeffrey, Edward, Sarah, and Amy; ten grandchildren; brothers, Phil and Steve; sister, Sue; and his wife, Debra, who Denny married later in life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Walter; brother, Bruce; and sister, Rita.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Story Memorial Gardens, 3215 S Duff Ave, Ames, Iowa, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Denny’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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