Dennis Kougias

Dennis Kougias, 63, of Mt. Vernon passed away from cancer Sunday, January 11, 2009 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m, Thursday, January 15, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church, 439 3rd Avenue South, Clinton, Iowa. Pastor Jennifer Henry will officiate. To pay respect to Dennis, the Iowa Department of Transportation Honor Guard will provide a tribute. Visitation will be prior to the service from Noon to 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Clinton Lawn Cemetery immediately following the service. The Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. Dennis Kougias was born Oct. 22, 1945 in Missouri Valley, Iowa, the son of Thomas G. and Cecil (Conley) Kougias. He enlisted in the Marine Corp in San Diego, California, serving from 1965 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. He also served in The Army Reserves. Dennis began his employment career with the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1969. He attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1975. On August 26, 1983, he married Debra Forney at Zion Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa. He worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation for 31 years. His last position held was District Commander until his retirement, December 31, 2000. After retirement, he worked part-time at Mt. Vernon Bank & Trust Co., and helped care for his step-granddaughter. Denny considered himself very fortunate to be able to help care for Kaylee, who had brought so much joy to his life. He was a great cook, enjoyed helping family and friends, gardening, fishing and the outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas G. and Cecil (Conley) Kougias, three brothers: Dick, Larry and Billy, and two sisters: Betty Brown and Beverly Sorick. Surviving are his loving wife, Debra (Sukut) of Mt. Vernon; step-daughter, Heather Forney and step-granddaughter Kaylee Gates of Mt. Vernon; brother Robert E. Kougias of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters-in-law: Diane Kougias and Therma Kougias, both of Missouri Valley, Iowa, and nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to the Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, 221 First Street NE, Mt. Vernon, IA, 52314 or Hospice of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.snellzornig.com. The family expresses a special thank you to the Hospice of Mercy for their loving and tender care of Denny these past few months. They provided comfort, compassion and dignity for Denny and his loved ones.

Dennis Kougias

October 22, 1945 - January 11, 2009