Dennis L Bachman

Dennis L. Bachman

August 14, 1944 – October 18, 2026

Dennis L. Bachman, 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2026. A dedicated public servant, lifelong caregiver, and loving father and grandfather, Dennis devoted his life to protecting and serving his community.

Dennis was born on August 14, 1944, in Eldora, Iowa, the son of Adrian and Florence (Beasley) Bachman. Raised on the family farm near Hubbard, he developed a strong work ethic early on, helping his father sharecrop. He began kindergarten at age four at L.D.F. and later moved into Hubbard at age fourteen. During his years at Hubbard High School, Dennis was active in choir, theater, FFA, 4-H, school athletics management, and yearbook photography. After overcoming major back surgery as a teenager, he graduated and continued his education at Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls.

In 1966, Dennis married Judith Collier. His natural calling toward public safety began shortly after, serving as a Deputy Sheriff with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa Falls. Over the following decade, Dennis built a diverse and dedicated career in service and enterprise: working as a lineman for Northwestern Bell, serving as a Deputy Sheriff in Marshall County, working as a district claims adjuster for Northwestern Mutual Insurance in Monticello, and serving as an officer and ultimately Chief of Police for the Eldora Police Department. He and his family also owned and operated the Dairy Inn Restaurant in Eldora before returning to the beloved family farm in Hubbard to work alongside his father.

In 1977, Dennis discovered the vocation that would define the rest of his career when he joined Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center (MMSC) (originally called MACH) as a 24-hour EMT. He entered the state Paramedic Program in 1980 and was soon appointed EMS Service Director. In 1986, driven by a deep passion for direct patient care, he returned to the field as a Paramedic Specialist. He also had the privilege of assisting with the establishment of Iowa's first Life Flight, as a flight paramedic. Dennis also played a large role in helping establish the city and county based EMS services in central Iowa.

Dennis was a pioneer and educator in emergency services across the state of Iowa. For decades, he taught EMT, Paramedic, and First Responder courses through Iowa Valley Community College, Des Moines University and lectured regularly at statewide EMS conferences. His expertise extended nationally—teaching radiation monitoring and hazardous materials courses for Iowa Emergency Management and contracting with the Department of Justice on national readiness exercises in Colorado. In 2009, Dennis joined the Iowa Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), deploying to critical natural disasters including Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, alongside annual collaborative training with the military. In 2012, in recognition of his enduring impact on emergency medicine, Dennis was rightfully inducted into the Iowa EMS Hall of Fame.

Upon retiring from active EMS service, Dennis and his late wife, Deanne, settled in Altoona. Together they enjoyed traveling across the country, spending winters and making memories in Arizona, Oklahoma, and Florida. When Deanne was diagnosed with cancer, Dennis became her devoted full-time caregiver with unwavering patience and love until her passing in January 2022.

Dennis lived with deep purpose and faith, quiet resilience, and profound generosity. Above all his professional accomplishments, he took immense pride in his family.

Dennis is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly (Dan) Elder and Annette (Mark) Bachman-Dunn, both of State Center, Iowa and stepson John (Ellen) Neldeberg of Altoona, IA; his four grandchildren, Colby (Makayla) Dunn, Logan Elder, Garrett (Kirsten) Dunn, Adrienne Elder and Blake Neldeberg; and his four adored great-grandchildren, Lilly Dunn, Declan Dunn, Callum Dunn, and Kendall Dunn.

He is also survived by his siblings, Pam (Marc) Stolee, Bob (Terry) Bachman, and Donna (Christy) Bachman, along with extended family, countless colleagues, and former students whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian and Florence Bachman, and his wife, Deanne Bachman.

Service date and time is pending at this time. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

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