Dennis R. Skinner

Dennis R. Skinner, age 76, passed from this life on May 30, 2023 at Mercy Medical Center, in Des Moines, Iowa. Denny was a humanitarian and an inspirational family man to his wife of 55 years, Kathy, and daughter Emmi Miller (Mark), and son Josh Skinner (Brandi) and his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Tali Paicurich (Todd), Kade Miller, Nichole Miller, McKenna Skinner, Zachary Skinner, Grayson Skinner, KayElla Williams, and Kyra Paicurich. He was known as steady, fun, reliable, rock solid, and answered to the name “Baca”. Memories of him are haloed with joy.

He was born January 28, 1947 in Perry Iowa to William and Doris (Kopp) Skinner. His first years were in Madison Wisconsin, then Perry Iowa where he graduated in 1965. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in 1969, and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Drake University. He also acquired certification as a Certified Financial Planner, Estate & Trust Specialist and an Enrolled Agent.

Denny’s first career was in banking, in Palo Alto California, then at two banks in central Iowa. In 1980, Denny started his own accounting firm in Huxley Iowa, and then moved to Nevada Iowa. His expertise in complex farm tax, accounting and financial planning quickly brought farm clients from all over Iowa. In 2001, he and Kathy and Bernie Stephenson built the Liberty Building, across from the Story County Courthouse, which was new at the time. The name Liberty had meaning as our country focused on 9/11 in 2001. Kathy’s law office was also in the building and they enjoyed their collaboration for many years. In 2014, daughter Emmi joined Denny in the business. Denny delayed retirement over and over, because he loved going to the office, helping his clients, and spending office time with Emmi, in the presence of wonderful assistants who worked with him long term.

Denny was a significant humanitarian via Rotary International, a world-wide organization. In the local area, he worked earnestly in developing the Nevada Rotary Club advancing programs in youth exchange, community service and global service. He is known as a mentor and friend to many. He received many awards in Rotary including the prestigious Guardian of Integrity award. He was District Governor in 2003-04 and advanced the international theme of “Lend a Hand”, a focus on peace. One project he created was in Ara Nigeria providing business assistance in the Palm Oil business to village women, and establishing a library. As a citizen of the world, he believed in doing whatever is possible to protect voting rights and to create opportunities for people to rise from poverty.

Denny enjoyed planning and sharing motorcycle trips and fishing trips. He was referred to by all accomplices as “The OE” (Outfitter Extraordinaire). His Harley motorcycle trips traveled all over the US with good friends who were a source of excitement and fun, known as “The Sabas”. Denny and Kathy also rode in Scotland and South Africa. Denny’s beloved fishing trips were to Bamaji Lake in Ontario, Canada with his father, brother Bill, son Josh, grandsons and friends. Folklore passed for generations from this long history of fishing. The dates of the fishing trip were sacrosanct and this year would have been the 50 year golden anniversary.

In 2013, Denny and Kathy built a house in Mahahual Mexico, 18 steps from the Caribbean Sea, and found it to be a grand adventure they enjoyed sharing. They appreciate the family orientation of hispanic culture and have many friends South of the border.

Denny is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister Janice Hood (Tim) of Middleton Wisconsin, brother Bill Skinner, (Ellen) of Appleton Wisconsin; mother in law Edna Mace of Perry, Iowa, brothers in law Richard Mace (Shirley) of Gilroy California, Mike Mace (Bridgot) of Perry, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.

Charity favorites for Denny are Rotary International, www.rotary.org/donate, or The Rotary Club of Nevada Iowa c/o Nevada Rotary Treasurer, PO Box 496 Nevada, Iowa 50201, or Globalvolunteers.org, or any organization working for peace and understanding.

A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Nevada First United Methodist Church (1036 7th Street) in Nevada with Pastor Deb Copple officiating. A reception will follow at Gatherings (1024 6th Street) in Nevada. Private burial will be at a later date.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com