Dennis M. Von Arb

Dennis Melvin Von Arb, age 73, of Alton, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 9, 2025. A devoted farmer, businessman, and beloved member of his community, he dedicated his life to his family, the land, and the friendships built through years of hard work and shared passions. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Alton, Iowa, with Rev. Daniel Greving officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Cemetery in Alton, Iowa. Visitation with family present will be Friday from 4-7 p,m. there will be a vigil prayer service at 5 p.m. all at the Church in Alton. Services have been entrusted to the Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen, IA. www.fischfh.com

Dennis was born Jan. 4, 1952 the son of Melvin & Lillian (Fischer) Von Arb. He was raised in northwest Iowa, and received his education at Spalding Catholic School and Floyd Valley High School graduating in 1970. Dennis grew up with a deep love for farming, working alongside his father after college before managing his own land. A graduate of Iowa State University, he had a lifelong passion for learning and sharing knowledge. He was always eager to experiment with soil and crop yields, leading him to establish Von Arb Ag, his crop consulting and fertilizer business.

On July 15, 1978 he married Anne Therese Heidesch at St. Mary Catholic Church in Remsen, IA. A dedicated husband, he and his wife, Anne, were a true team. Together, they shared a passion for homesteading—taking pride in raising four daughters and completing farm and home projects. Beyond the fields, he and Anne spent 20 years as the owners and operators of Firelite Lanes, where his bowling team proudly held the house record for the highest score. Whether working the land or fine-tuning a project, Dennis was dedicated, inventive, and always striving for improvement.

He had a gift for problem-solving, designing a skid-loader attachment for moving machinery. His love of machinery extended to maintaining and improving his own farm equipment, ensuring everything ran smoothly season after season. Dennis also spent many years working at the Clay County Fair with Borchers Supply, where he served as a farm supply representative and consultant.

In recent years, Dennis found great joy in traveling to visit his children and grandchildren, cherishing the time spent with his growing family. His hobbies included pheasant hunting with family, neighbors, and friends, as well as camping trips across the Midwest during his early years with his daughters. Dennis’s passion for life was unwavering, and his kindness, authenticity, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Survivors include, his wife, Anne of Alton; his children, Michelle (Justin) Sutherland of Meridian, Idaho; (Grant, Lauren & Bryson), Heidi (Jeremy) Whitver of Ankeny, Iowa; Heather (Jeffrey) von Brown of Ankeny, Iowa; (Nora & Evie); Amber (Cole Toovey) Von Arb of Falcon Heights, MN (Leona & Lochlan); his siblings, Jan (John Sachs) Von Arb of Brookfield, IL, Lynn (Lyle) Mundt of Lynnwood, WA, Joan (Tom) Michels, of Beloit WI, Doug (Wendy) Von Arb of Aurelia, IA, Mary Von Arb, Topeka, KS, David (Sara) Von Arb of Johnston, IA; his mother-in-law, Ethel Heidesch of Remsen, IA; Ken (Ann) Heidesch of Granville, IA, Pete (Sharon) Heidesch of Remsen, IA, Nancy Hyland of Glenwood, IA, Bob (Vicky) Heidesch of Remsen, IA, Lee (Cheryl) Heidesch of Papillion, NE, Carl Heidesch of Dubuque, IA, numerous nieces and nephews; along with countless friends and neighbors who will forever cherish his memory.

He was Preceded in death by, his parents, Melvin and Lillian Von Arb; sister, Clare (Steve) Welden; step-mother, Mary-Ann Mousel Von Arb; his father-in-law, Lyle Heidesch; two nieces, Lindsay Heidesch and Rachael Hyland and numerous aunts and uncles.

Casket Bearers will be Justin Sutherland, Grant Sutherland, Jeremy Whitver, Jeffrey von Brown, Cole Toovey & Doug Von Arb.