Dennis W. “Denny” Grant, age 65, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 6:55 p.m., on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at home, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Denny’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. To celebrate Denny’s life, family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Monday, May 20, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Denny was born on March 15, 1954, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Robert and Immogene (Weber) Grant.

Denny married Diane Nadermann on May 5, 1984. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Naval Reserve and National Guard, retiring in 1998, with the rank of E-6. He received his education with St. Anthony Catholic Grade School and went on to graduate from Wahlert High School, Class of 1972. Denny also received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Dubuque in 1978, and finally earned his M.A. from Loras College in 1982. He felt a human services calling given the fact that he had a handicapped brother and a very compassionate mother. Denny started his mental health career at Hillcrest Family Services in 1979, going on to work for several places, including The Gannon Center, until his early retirement in 2014. Denny served on several mental health committees, as well as the NICC Human Services Advisory Board. He was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer in 2011, and underwent various treatments over the past several years. Upon surviving 5 years, he wrote a book about his experiences called “5 Years and Beyond: Surviving Cancer”, which was published in 2016. Denny always had an optimistic outlook and never complained about his illness. The book was intended to be a reflection on his own experiences and serve as an inspiration to others. Denny was known as a jokester who liked to laugh and get others to laugh right along with him. He was a very kind and giving person who always made time for others. He believed that keeping your word was very important and the most valued aspects of his life were his family, country and career. Denny was part of the The Four Horsemen, along with Pat, Ski and Dan, they were friends for 60 years. He had many other close friends and associates that he liked to visit with. Most of all he loved spending time with Diane and his sons, whom he was very proud of. Denny also had a soft spot for animals and had several pets throughout the years. Denny loved to golf, travel and play black jack at the casinos. He was also known as a trivia wizard on morning talk show trivia contests.

Those left to cherish Denny’s memory include

his loving wife of 35 years,
Diane Grant, Dubuque;

his 2 sons,
David Grant, Dubuque, IA
and Daniel Grant, Washington D.C.;

his brothers,
Gary Grant, Plano, TX,
Rodney Grant, Dubuque, IA,
Paul (Diane) Grant, Fort Worth, TX
and Bob (Amy) Grant, Worthington, IA;

3 brothers-in-law,
Dan (Connie) Nadermann, Dubuque, IA,
Don (Suzanne) Nadermann, Hot Springs, AR
and Paul (Maria Alcordo) Nadermann, Dubuque, IA;

his sister-in-law,
Judy (Steve) Bries, Sherrill, IA;

and several nieces and nephews.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Todd Grant; and a sister-in-law, Charlene Grant.

Denny’s family would like to thank Dr. Engleman and the entire Oncology Department at Medical Associates, as well as the staff of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Melissa G., they were angels that came into his home, creating “Memories in the Making”. We love you Denny, Rest in Peace!

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among his favorite charities.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com