Paul Dennis Robertson

HAWARDEN, IOWA – Paul Dennis “Denny” Robertson, 84, of rural Hawarden, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 29, 2024, surrounded by his family at the farmhouse where he was born and raised in Union County, South Dakota.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hawarden, Iowa with Father Mauro Sanchez as the officiant. Burial with military rites will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden is assisting the family.

 Denny was born March 5, 1940, at his home in Union County, South Dakota. He was the son of Paul and Virginia (Mieras) Robertson. He lived most of his life on the family farm and would tell many fond stories from his childhood.

 Denny married Susan Jo Akin September 19, 1960, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hawarden, Iowa. He graduated from Hawarden High School in 1958. He joined the South Dakota Army National Guard in June 1958 and served with the Guard until June 1964. During his army time he proudly became the heavyweight boxing champion. 

 He farmed on the family farm his whole life alongside his grandpa JJ, his dad, and later on his own until retirement. He also was employed as a Supervisor at Otis Radio for several years. Denny enjoyed many passions in life, including hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, and many travel adventures. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

 Denny got his commercial pilot license and owned his own plane. He would often be seen flying over the town of Hawarden or the farm and tipping his wing to wave. He enjoyed flying family and friends to many places. He loved traveling and some of his favorite places were Alaska, Mexico, Kentucky, and South Dakota. His most favorite place was Deadwood, South Dakota.

 He loved teasing and playing practical jokes on people. He was a very passionate and caring man to everyone. Denny knew and trusted in God and Jesus. He was a wonderful husband and father and known to everyone as "Papa". His daughters and grandchildren learned by his example and will cherish his memory forever.

 During his long illness he was assisted by wonderful care of Hospice of Sioux Center. The Hospice team were all very caring and supportive and Denny's family feels very blessed for each and every one of them. The family is grateful during this time to other friends and family. 

 Denny is survived by his wife Susan of 64 years; daughters, Teresa, Wendy and Stacy; six grandchildren, Ryan, Nicole, Andrew, Paul, Shalyn, and Tyler; two great-grandchildren, Bennett and Presley; sisters, Judy Brady, Sylvia Kallsen, Tyleen Montgomery, and Trenna Wunder; and sister-in-law, Dr. Ginger Akin, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

 Denny was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Dr. Joe and Helen Akin.