Dennis Dwayne Bahls, 68, of Fayette, Iowa passed away suddenly in his home on Monday, December 29, 2025. Dennis was born December 5, 1957 to Helen M. (Fascher) and Dwayne M. Bahls, the oldest of four children. He graduated from Central Community Schools in Elkader with the class of 1976.
On October 27, 1979, Dennis was united in marriage with Sandra B. Wendel at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa. Two children were born to this union, Melissa and Jordan.
Dennis worked various jobs, including Wilke’s Grocery Store, McTaggart & Sons, Skyline Harvester and Dittmer Motors, Elkader Golf Course and Miss Marquette Casino. He owned and operated The Elkader Service and Repair from 1984 to 1999. Along with Sandra, they owned and operated The Elkader Inn Motel until his retirement in 2020. Dennis enjoyed hunting, shooting and fishing growing up and continued throughout his life, especially enjoying it with friends and family.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Sandra Bahls of Fayette; daughter, Melissa (Jeff) Trumpold of Cedar Rapids; son, Jordan (Beth) Bahls of Fort Irwin, California; grandchildren, Ethan Hines of Cedar Rapids, Jamie Trumpold of Cedar Rapids, Sam Trumpold of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Zayne Bahls and Cheyenne Larson of Fort Irwin, California; sisters, Corinne Bahls of Cedar Rapids and Laura (Kevin) Krych of Anamosa; brother, Gerry Bahls of Elkader; sister-in-law, Sue (Bruce) Snively of West Union; brother-in-law, Ron Wendel of West Union; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Dwayne and Helen Bahls; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Marcella Wendel.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday June 6, 2026 from 2-5 pm at the American Legion Hall – 103 E Main St – West Union, Iowa
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family.