Denise Diane (Dunham) Gallagher, 76 years old, of Des Moines, went to be with the Lord, her Savior, on Friday, October 18th, 2024. She passed peacefully at home with her family by her side.
Her faith was deeply rooted and unwavering throughout her life. Her walk with the Lord was steadfast and she shared this with everyone, any chance that she had.
She spent many of her working years in a caregiver role; She worked with people with special needs, provided foster care, and also owned and operated a daycare.
She enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a Clark Fork River chick and loved floating the river in Montana with her husband Mike. Denise was born May 4, 1948, and raised in Iowa. In October of 1990 she moved to western Montana, where she met her husband Mike Gallagher, and they were married in April of 1993. Her daughter Jacey’s pregnancy and the birth of their grandson Christian brought Denise and Mike back to Iowa in 2007.
Denise is survived by her husband, Mike Gallagher of 31 years, her daughter Jacey Schamel of Des Moines (Boyfriend Tony Roese), son Shane Maxson of Eugene, Oregon, grandson Christian Howard of Des Moines, sister Deb Huffman of Norwalk, and various nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son Jason Schamel, parents Dennis and Micky Dunham, and brother Daryl Dunham.
A memorial service celebrating Denise’s life will be held Friday, October 25 at 3:00 p.m. at New Heights Church, 200 E. 1st Ave., Indianola, Iowa 50125. Memorial contributions can be made to New Heights Church.
When Christ Comes
Isaiah 49:13 The Lord comforts his people and will have pity on those who suffer.
God speaks to all of us who have stood or will stand in the soft dirt near an open grave…. “I want you to know what happens to a Christian when he/she dies so that when it happens, you will not be full of sorrow, as those are who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and then came back to life again, we can also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him all the Christians who have died” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
