Dennis Lee Cohagan, 68, passed away on October 5, 2024 at 7:27pm at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. He had a lengthy battle with end stage renal failure and over time his health severely deteriorated.
Denny was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on July 24, 1956 to Kenneth and Marjorie Cohagan. He attended Ottumwa Schools, graduating from Ottumwa High School in 1975. He hired onto the Burlington Northern Railroad that same year and was a 3rd generation railroader. He worked in the track department as a laborer for the first few years, but most of his career was as a grinder and welder. He loved reminiscing with other railroad friends of decades about their experiences and he dearly loved all those guys. He retired after 41 years with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad on August 1, 2016. Forever remaining a proud railroader.
On October 17, 1976, Denny met a girl in Osceola, Iowa. It was instantly a match made in heaven and they were soulmates for the next 48 years. He married that girl, Bambi Lou Hook, on April 21, 1979. They lived in Weldon, Osceola and Ottumwa, Iowa for their first 7 years of marriage, following his railroad jobs as they came available. Their family grew when they welcomed the most beautiful baby girl, Shae Nicole, on October 18, 1986, a mere ten years and one day from their initial meeting. Two years later, on April 10, 1989, their family grew again with the birth of their beloved son, Jacob Lee. Their family was complete. Denny loved nothing more than to attend and watch all their competitions in tumbling and every milestone in each of their lives over the years. He always had an open door to friends and kids for spontaneous events to watch pay per view wrestling or just to find a place to eat and watch TV. His children were the delight of his life, of which he had unlimited pride in and love for. They moved their young family to Abingdon, Illinois in 1991, again following his railroad career. Jacob gave him his first grandchildren, two priceless girls, Nevaeh Marie age 14 and Alexis Rileigh, age 13. He loved being Grandpa more than anything in the world. Shae gave him his next two precious grandchildren, a beautiful girl, Chaynie Nicole, 10, and a handsome loving boy, Colby Ray, 7.
Denny and Bambi would raise their family in Illinois until 2013 when they moved to New London, Iowa, on a beautiful acreage, where they retired. Shae, Chaynie and Colby live with Denny and Bambi and assisted with Denny's care tremendously during his long battles with his health. He idolized his time with all his grandbabies and kids.
Denny loved to shoot fireworks in a professional manner and provided years of July 4th spectacular shows for the City of Abingdon in Illinois. He helped many folks shoot private shows over the years and was always like a kid when he was able to create the magic with fireworks.
Denny attended various Christian Churches, but was baptised into the Abingdon Christian Church in 1990. He knew and loved the Lord, which never failed to bring him peace, throughout his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Bambi, of New London, Iowa; daughter, Shae Nicole Cohagan, Chaynie and Colby also of New London; son, Jacob Lee Cohagan, with Neveah and Alexis of Canton, Illinois; his beloved niece, Cari Rohs and husband Aaron of Rapids City, Illinois; a great niece, Brianna Ramsdale, husband Nick, children Carter, Landrie, Ayla and Emery of Hillsdale, Illinois; and great nephew Chase Rohs, of Bettendorf, Iowa. Also surviving is a sister, Sharon Lovern and her husband Robert of East Moline, Illinois and a nephew Brian Lovern of Silvis, Illinois; his mother in law, Connie Hook of Weldon, Iowa. A brother in law, Scott Hook and wife Angie of Weldon, Iowa; niece Cicily Hook with her fiancé Cam Young and great niece Amelia, of Des Moines, Iowa; nephew Gannon Hook and his significant other Destiny Lane, with children Addie and Brody, of St Charles, Iowa.
Very importantly, he leaves behind his pride and joys in the form of miniature dachshunds, Jazzi, Charlie, Rudy and Lucy, who never left his side and provided a deep sense of comfort every day for him.
He is proceeded in death by his father, Kenneth Lee Cohagan, mother, Marjorie Bernice Wilt Cohagan both of Ottumwa, Iowa. His father in law, GP "Bud" Hook, Weldon, Iowa, who was undeniably Dennys co-conspirator in many pranks and escapades over decades. Also preceding him in death was his sister in law, Tami Sue Hook, for who he shared a profound and everlasting deep love.
Dennis chose to provide further love for others at the end of his life, because he was an organ donor. He will ultimately help others for several years to improve their lives. He chose to be cremated and a grand Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to the family to help with the vast medical expenses.
Denny truly loved life and everything in it. He was surrounded by dear friends physically and spiritually at his passing who he dearly loved. His greatest hope before death was to tell those closest just how much they are loved every day, so there will be no doubts.