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Monday, July 6, 2026
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
9:00 - 10:00 am (Central time)
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
10:30 - 11:30 am (Central time)
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
11:30 am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
GUTTENBERG, IOWA
Dennis Allyn Reth, age 79, of Guttenberg, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 12th, 1947, in Guttenberg, Iowa, to Harry and Bernita Reth. On December 26th, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sharon Schmelzer, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and dedication to family.
Dennis was a hardworking and devoted man throughout his life. He worked for Hilton Homes and Trademark and later retired from the City of Garnavillo after 28 years of dedicated service. He was a lifelong crop farmer at heart and spent much of his life outdoors working the land, driving tractors, and living a life shaped by hard work and integrity.
He will be remembered most for his humor and his unforgettable laugh. Dennis had a quick wit and a teasing spirit, never missing a chance to give someone a hard time, especially his wife, whom he loved to tease endlessly, always with affection underneath it all. His grandkids also knew him well for his jokes, which always came with a grin and a laugh that filled the room.
He had a great love for dancing with his wife and always dressed to impress. Whether at a dance or a family gathering, he carried himself with pride, charm, and a spark that made him unforgettable.
Above all, Dennis was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his big heart, his humor, and the deep, steady love he had for his family.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Sharon; children: Jerry Reth (Donna), Lisa McGuine (Shannon), and Chris Reth (Missy); his grandchildren: Emily Nolan (Shawn), Alex Mueller, Courtney Reth, Taylor Reth, Brayden Reth, and Peyton Reth; and his great-grandchildren: Ava Medberry, Carleigh Medberry, Tucker Medberry, Ledger Medberry, and Elowynn Nolan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Bernita Reth; Lorraine and Esther Schmelzer; and his beloved children, Jimmy Reth and Cindy Mueller.
Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg, Iowa. Visitation will continue at 9 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Guttenberg, Iowa with burial to follow at Ceres Cemetery. Rev. Mike Ashman will officiate.
Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.
Morris Funeral Home - Guttenberg
St. John's Lutheran Church
St. John's Lutheran Church
Ceres Cemetery
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