Michael Otis Denney

Michael Otis Denney, age 68, of Schaller, Iowa died peacefully December 28, 2022 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa. Funeral services will take place Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller. Burial will be in the Schaller Cemetery. Visitation will take place Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 4-7:00 p.m. at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of arrangements. Michael Otis Denney was born August 1, 1954 to Otis and Shirley (Sisson) Denney in Onawa, Iowa. He was baptized as an infant at the First Congregational Church in Blencoe, Iowa. Growing up, Michael attended grade school in Castana, Iowa and graduated high school in 1972 at Maple Valley High School. After high school, he started farming and worked at Wilson Trailer in Onawa, Iowa. Michael then attended college at Western Iowa Tech Community College and received a degree in electrical wiring. After completing the electrician courses, he was awarded an electrician sub-station job and was soon promoted to the Overhead Electrical Department with Iowa Public Service in Storm Lake, Iowa. Michael was united in marriage to Judy Bumsted on November 22, 1975 at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton, Iowa. In November 1981, the big day came where Michael was awarded a Local Serviceman job with I.P.S. in Schaller, Iowa. Michael and Judy moved from Storm Lake to Schaller on November 17, 1981. On July 28, 1982, the couple were blessed with a son, Eric. Michael was the visionary founder of 4-Wheel Drive Unlimited which sold parts and accessories for all types of vehicles. Michael was known as a reliable advocate in the community. He joined the Schaller Fire Department in January 1983 and remained an active lifelong member. He was involved in many advancements with their rescue equipment. Michael assisted the ambulance squad with the organization of the first rescue squad in Schaller. He was influential in the first FM band radio and pager system communications for both organizations. He served as president and vice-president of the Schaller Chamber of Commerce and Schaller Park Board, as well as spearheading the Trees for Tomorrow Campaign and serving as the Treasurer for St. Paul Lutheran Church for many years. Michael was also an important part of the American Red Cross and he was a valued CPR instructor for many years. In his free time, Michael enjoyed pheasant hunting and deer hunting with his son, family, and friends. In the summer, you could find him on the lake water skiing and boating with his family. He loved fast cars and big engines and could be found watching stock car races and NHRA. He was proud of his cherished 1976 Mercury Cougar. Michael savored spending time with his family and friends. Left to cherish Michael’s memory are his wife, Judy of Schaller, Iowa; son: Eric (Jennifer) Denney of St. Joseph, Missouri; grandchildren: Jacob; Kaylee; and Markus; parents: Otis and Shirley Denney of Onawa, Iowa; brother: Doug (Patty) Denney of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Floyd and Ida Denney; Clinton and Ruby Sisson; parents-in-law: Lloyd and Helena Bumsted.

Michael Otis Denney

August 1, 1954 - December 28, 2022