Anna Louise Dennison

Anna Louise Dennison passed away peacefully on July 20, 2024, in Knoxville, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Dyer Hudson Hall in Knoxville. Family will greet guests at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service. Louise will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery following services.

Louise was born in Knoxville on April 25, 1937, to Irvin and Alice (VanCleave) Rowley. Raised on a dairy farm, she was involved with 4-H at an early age. Louise even drove tractor for Custom Bailing in her younger days. In high school, she had worked for Knoxville Journal Express. She graduated from Knoxville High School with the Class of 1955.

Following graduation, Louise wasted no time marrying the love of her life, Melvin Dennison on June 5, 1955. They started their journey in Webster City, Iowa. She took another job in the newspaper business, working for the Freeman Journal, and later worked for State Farm Insurance. As their family expanded, Mel and Louise moved to Newton, Iowa. She dedicated her young life to raising the children. Louise participated in many of their activities, such as Brownie Troop, Bible school, and even worked in the church nursery. Creating different crafts was a favorite pastime for Louise. Whether it was tapioca flowers, yarn wrapped cattails, or ceramics, she loved to design and create. She used her knitting skills to make many different items including clothing for the kids’ dolls.

After moving back to Knoxville, Louise and Mel stayed very active in their professional lives as the kids grew. They owned four different shoe stores, and in 1979 they entered the racing business. They sold anything from shirts, hats, to various other racing memorabilia. Following spring car racing around the United States was something they loved. Louise and Mel eventually sold the business to their daughter Deb in 1993. They continued to remain active in the business and racing community.

Louise was a kind a loving person who was always there to lend a hand. She cherished her time working at the Almost Free Shop in Knoxville. Her family meant the world to her. Over the years, numerous different family members lived under her roof. She enjoyed being around those she loved. Her greatest moments were spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Louise will be missed so many who had the privilege of knowing her.

Those left to honor Louise’s memory include her children: Deb Dennison (Alan Mulder), Cindy Parker and Melvin Dennison II (Teresa Creech); six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; siblings, Larry Rowley and Gary (Suzanne) Rowley; and many other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years, Mel; siblings: Dean Rowley, Darlene Scott, and Merle Rowley; and a great- granddaughter, Harriett.

Memorials in Louise’s name can be directed to Suncrest Hospice, Knoxville Fire Department, or the Knoxville Racing Charitable Organization.