Dr. Dennis L. Thomas

March 22, 1947 – August 25, 2025

Dennis Thomas, 78, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Clarinda Regional Health Center.

Dennis Lee Thomas was born on March 22, 1947, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Albert Jr. and Gladys Lorena Jepsen Thomas. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1965. Growing up on a farm, Dennis developed an early interest in agriculture, which he carried through his vocational ag classes in high school. Encouraged by mentors, he pursued higher education at Iowa State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1970, his master’s degree in agricultural education in 1971, and his Ph.D. in economics in 1976.

On March 1, 1969, Dennis married Mary Dee Hoegh of rural Atlantic. The couple first lived in Ames while Dennis pursued his graduate studies. Mary Dee’s exceptional typing skills proved invaluable as she helped him complete countless research papers and his dissertation. After his graduation, Dennis and Mary Dee moved to Clemson, South Carolina, where he worked as an assistant professor of economics at Clemson University. In the early 1980s they returned to Dennis’ hometown of Atlantic, where he dedicated 25 years as an Area Farm Management Specialist for Iowa State University Extension, serving Iowa farmers with expertise and care, during the many challenges of the Farm Crisis. He always said he was most thankful for the chance to have a great education and the opportunity to share that education with others.

Dennis enjoyed a wide range of interests, especially outdoor activities, which he often did with his younger brother Roger. He spent many hours target shooting with rifles, pistols, black powder, and pellet guns, and loved the peaceful challenge of fly fishing. He also enjoyed kayaking, archery, and reading. Often found with a crossword puzzle in hand, Dennis was always eager to keep learning.

Dennis and Mary Dee shared many years of laughter, hard work, and love. Cardinal and gold to their core, Mary Dee and Dennis were avid Cyclone and Kansas City Chiefs fans. Mary Dee preceded Dennis in death in January 2024, after 55 years of marriage.

Dennis is survived by his sister-in-law, Joan Thomas; nieces Amy and her wife Laura, Lara and her husband Todd, and Chris and her husband Dennis; great-nieces and great-nephews, Tyler and his wife Mallory, Sydnie and her husband Matthew, Cole and his wife Dana, Lucy, Noah, and Quinn.

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Gladys Thomas, his brothers Loren Albert Thomas and Roger Dean Thomas, and his parents-in-law Raymond and Ethel Hoegh.

Open visitation will be held from Noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, August 29, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. No visitation with the family present is planned. 

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, at the Oak Hill Cemetery west of Brayton. The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by the end of the day Monday.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to Clarinda Regional Health Center Partners in Exceptional Care.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Dennis’ family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

***A slideshow will be posted once completed.***