Dennis VanAuken
April 6, 1949 ~ January 8, 2026
Dennis Ray VanAuken, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on January 8, 2026, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha, Iowa.
Vigil Service: 4:00 p.m., with a visitation to follow until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, January 18, 2026, Saint Matthew Catholic Church.
Mass: 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 19, 2026, Saint Matthew Catholic Church, with a visitation held one hour prior.
Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dennis was born on April 6, 1949, in Montana, the son of Milton and Theresa (Toeckes) VanAuken. He was united in marriage to Susan Tiernan on December 21, 1986.
Dennis spent his career in sales, using his natural gift for connection to improve the lives of others while deepening his lifelong devotion to Jesus. He eventually bridged his faith and professional expertise by joining the Catholic Leadership Institute, where he dedicated himself to supporting everyday people, priests, and parishes.
A pillar of his community, Dennis was recognized for his award-winning volunteer work and generous charitable contributions. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends—whether fishing, golfing, cooking, or sharing a laugh. Even during his illness, Dennis’s spirit remained unbroken; between treatments, he continued to serve others as a compassionate spiritual companion. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith and profound love.
Dennis was a faithful member of Saint Matthew Catholic Church.
Dennis is survived by his children, Kerri VanAuken and Tim VanAuken; brother, Dick (Dianne) VanAuken; 20 nieces and nephews; 17 grand nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Janie (John) Macklin, Julie (Eric) Keen, and Lori (Rod) Fiebelkorn; and many close personal and business relationships.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Susie VanAuken; and aunt, Sister Mary Toeckes.
Memorials may be made to Saint Matthew Catholic Church.
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Dennis’s tribute wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
Broadcast Date:
Services
Vigil:
Sunday, January 18, 2026
4:00 pm - 4:15 pm
St. Matthew Catholic Church
2310 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8269
Visitation:
Sunday, January 18, 2026
4:15 pm - 6:00 pm
St. Matthew Catholic Church
2310 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8269
Visitation:
Monday, January 19, 2026
9:00 am - 10:00 am
St. Matthew Catholic Church
2310 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8269
Funeral Mass:
Monday, January 19, 2026
10:00 am
St. Matthew Catholic Church
2310 1st Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8269
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Dennis (and Susie) were dear friends. We were greatly privileged to know them even for such a short time. We will always remember his great smile, hardy laugh and joy when playing 500! More than that, his spiritual vitality will remain an inspiration to us.
Pat and Jean Parsley
We have been long time friends of the family
Rest in peace our friend. Lezle and Andy Resor Maple Valley Washington
Lou & Renee
Dennis and the Van Auken family were family to us and there are so many wonderful memories we have of Dennis growing up and times spent with him and his family. He had a special light that always shined through. He will truly be missed. The Engelmeier family has his family in their hearts and prayers.
Our condolences .. one of things I admired about Dennis was his glass.half.full not glass.half.empty attitude. He seemed always to be positive and full of faith. He will be dearly missed.
We easily responded to the warmth and friendliness of a welcoming greeting from Dennis. He was always interested and caring. We will always remember him being a pillar of Catholic faith and values. Dennis and Susie shared a wonderful marriage of mutual admiration and devotion.
January