Dennis “Denny” Black was born on December 5th,1933 to Velda and Art Black. He spent his entire life in the Villisca, Iowa area.
On April 16th,1956 Denny was united in marriage to Dixie Morgan in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union, six children were born.
Denny is survived by his wife Dixie of 69 years, children Laverna Long, Diane (Mark) Fish, Kirk (Laura)Black, Lloyd Black, Kim Black and Tracy (Jon) Spunaugle; siblings Shirley Vest and Randy Mattson, 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; and countless close friends who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson Gary Hightshoe, son-in-law Danny Long, siblings Mavis (Soddy) DiMauro, Jim Black, Connie McCuen, Terry Mattson, Mickey Mattson, and 2 infant grandsons.
In his early years, Denny drove a truck hauling livestock for local farmers. He later owned and operated The Clarinda Salvage for over 30 years, where he was well known for his skill as a meticulous welder and blacksmith---and for his remarkable mathematical mind. Denny’s weekends were spent racing his hobby stock car at the Adams County Speedway, winning the point championship in 1971. After his retirement, Denny opened Villisca Furniture & Antiques and enjoyed attending auctions in the area.
Denny’s favorite pastimes included catfishing on the Red River in North Dakota, sitting outside in the swing on hot summer days, planting his massive garden every spring and George Jones music. He never knew a stranger and always had a smile a mile wide. Whether sharing a laugh or a cold one, Denny enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Denny passed away peacefully on October 30th, 2025, at Villisca Good Samaritan Society. He was loved by everyone who knew him and will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Family memorials can be made to Hospice Support Foundation
1175 Centre Pointe Circle, Mendota Heights, MN 55120 in support of St. Croix Hospice.
