Dennis "Denny" Robert Lanning

Dennis “Denny” Robert Lanning, 85, of Melbourne, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at UnityPoint- Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

Cremation rites have been accorded and services are currently not scheduled. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Denny and his family.

Dennis Robert Lanning, also lovingly known as Denny, was born on April 25, 1940 in State Center, Iowa. He was the son of Vernon Dale and Ella Hellen (Clausen) Lanning. Denny graduated from Melbourne High School in 1958. On August 20, 1961, he was united in marriage to the love of his life- Nancy K. Judge at Central Christian Church in Marshalltown. His first job was at the Melbourne hardware store, working for his aunt and uncle. Later, Denny owned and operated his own business- Lanning Plumbing and Electric. He was a member of 4-H while in high school, volunteer firefighter for Melbourne for twenty plus years and former member of the Melbourne Business Men. Denny enjoyed family ancestry, fixing things, and driving around looking at farm crops; he also liked to tease others, but it was all in fun. Family meant everything to Denny, and he will be missed by many.

Denny is survived by his loving wife of 64 years- Nancy; children: Jeff (Annette) Lanning of Melbourne and Jerry (Laure) Lanning of Melbourne. Grandchildren: Julie Lanning, Nicholas Lanning and Megan (Josh) Benzing. He is also survived by his great-grandson: Jace Cross and siblings: Vivian Gagen and Terry Lanning.

Denny is preceded in death by his parents: Vernon and Ella and siblings: Nile Lanning and Roger Lanning.