Dennis Gene Van Briesen

George, IA  Dennis "Denny" Van Briesen age 74 of George, IA died Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2017 at Zoar Presbyterian Church in George, IA with Rev. John Pea & Rev. Dale Lint, officiating.   Burial with full military honors will follow in the Evergreen Lawn Cemetery at George, IA. Visitation will be Sunday, October 22nd from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of George.   Dennis Gene Van Briesen was born September 29, 1943, at George, IA the son of John and Bertha (Kruger) Van Briesen.  Denny grew up at George where he attended school.  As a young man he worked for local farmers.  He started working for the Farmers Cooperative Elevator in George.  In 1964, Denny was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam conflict until he was honorably discharged in 1966.  Upon returning home, he returned to work at the Farmers Cooperative Elevator.  On December 22, 1967, he was united in marriage to Patsy Kruger at Zoar Presbyterian Church at George.  Denny and Pat were blessed with two children, Wendy and Jason.  They made their home in George where Denny continued to work for the elevator.  In 1972, Denny started working for the George Elevator and later he and Pat purchased the elevator that they currently co-own with their son, Jason and his wife, Karen, at the time of his death.  Denny, Pat and Jason worked side by side at the elevator for more than 26 years.  Denny was a loving husband and father and was proud of his family.  He was always there to give his support and love.  His family always remembers, Denny to be 15 minutes early and never late.  He and Pat had attended the Sturgis Bike Rally every year from 1982 – 2016.  Over the years, Denny enjoyed owning many motorcycles most of them Harley Davidsons.  They were always polished and shiny much like his vehicles.  He always said a clean vehicle runs better.  Denny and Pat enjoyed many trips throughout the United States and Canada on their motorcycle.  Denny was a member of the Zoar Presbyterian Church where he had served as a past trustee, member of the Harley Davidson Owners Group, Sioux Falls Chapter “HOG” Member, American Legion member in George for 51 years, VFW in Rock Rapids, Rolling Thunder Group SD Chapter 1 in Sioux Falls and Thursday Night Bike Group where he and Pat enjoyed many friendships.  Along with motorcycles, Denny enjoyed owning several Corvettes and took great pride in grooming his lawn.  Over the past year, Denny’s health declined and this past Thursday, October 19, 2017, Denny died at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of seventy-four.    He is survived by his wife, Pat Van Briesen of George, IA; daughter, Wendy and her husband, Steve Koch of Sutherland, IA; son, Jason and his wife, Karen Van Briesen of George, IA; one granddaughter, Rachel Van Briesen of George, IA; along with two brothers, Lowell (Darlene) Van Briesen of Ashton, IA; Randy (Marla) Van Briesen of Montezuma, IA and a brother-in-law, Virgil Grave of Lake Park, IA; along with many nieces and nephews.   Denny was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha; one brother, Dwayne (Dorothy) Van Briesen; two sisters, Norma Grave and Beverly (Robert) Kolthoff.