Dennis D. Aswegan
December 7, 1947 ~ November 5, 2013
Dennis 'Ozzy' D. Aswegan, 65, of Cedar Rapids, passed away at home on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. Memorial Services: 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2013, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, by Pastor Donovan Santa Maria. A gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service time. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 727. Survivors include his wife, Carmen; sons, Michael (Stephanie) Aswegan of Cedar Rapids, Dennis 'Buzz' Aswegan of Des Moines, and Andy Falco of Cedar Rapids; daughters, Sheri (Larry) Lyons of Long Island, New York, Sara Aswegan of Versoix, Switzerland, and Andrea Landt of Cedar Rapids; and brothers, Craig (Ann) Aswegan of Monona, Wisconsin, Jim (Mary Jane) Aswegan of Carlsbad, California, and Rollyn (Marlene) Aswegan of Marion, Iowa. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a very close extended family with whom he had a special relationship, especially the aunts; and his dogs, Sasha and Willow. Dennis was born December 7, 1947, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Leonard and Evelyn (Reints) Aswegan. He graduated from Washington High School and served in the US Navy for three years during the Vietnam era. For 40 years, Dennis was a railroad engineer, first for Chicago Northwestern and then for Union Pacific. He was passionate about his career and even in retirement enjoyed sitting on his porch listening to the train whistles. Dennis was a longtime member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He married Carmen Rodriguez in Cedar Rapids on August 29, 1992. Dennis lived life to the fullest enjoying fishing for muskies with his boys, working in his yard and rose garden, swimming, restoring antique lights, and listening to music and dancing. He was a friend to everyone and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary; and sister-in-law, Marilyn. A very special thank you to Unity Point Hospice for their compassionate care during Dennis' illness.
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Carmen,
I know you faith in our Lord will keep you strong, and move you forward.I know that Demmis is resting in the comfort of heaven.I am so faraway right now, but know my heart is there with you.I am thankful that our family is so large,so many of us love you, and are there with you.
Take care and i will call you soon.
Trace
My deepest sympathy-may God bless you and your family in your time of need. Dennis was a great man and will be missed by many.
Carmella and family of Dennis,
Prayers for comfort and strength to help you through the days ahead. I know Dennis felt all that love and is now at peace. My heart and thoughts are with you all. Carm you are very special to my family.Wish I could be there.
Love you. Debbie
Who could forget your smile, warm hugs or sincere compliments! Love and miss you already!
I was sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. We were both fans of Bill W and shared some great conversations and smiles, but lost touch when we moved from CR. God bless you at this difficult time. Bob and Kay Roof and family
Denny was a good guy and I knew him for many years as a conductor. I always like when I was teamed with him and the hours of our trips in the ‘long pool’ went fast as I enjoyed his company and his wit. He was a good engineer and knew from the seat of his pants how to run any kind of train with never any problems. His smoking was a little as I am a jogger but allowed it anyway for he was my buddy / friend and I knew he needed them! We talked about many things from family to real estate and Bar ownership and he was always interested in my opinions and my life as I was in his. He talked about Carmen the love of his life and his children, mostly our wives in our later years and he kiddingly felt she could be mistaken for one of my sisters as I am full blooded Italian . I was sad to have him retire and his dying makes my mortality ever so closer and I will miss his presence here on earth. For me now this getting older is no fun but I can’t begin to know the emptiness for your family’s loss! Sincerely Joe Romeo
Farewell shipmate. Your USS Voge (DE 1047) shipmates thank you for your service with each of us.