Dennis Lee Gunn was born on October 30th, 1959, to James and Mevelyn “Sandy” Gunn in Des Moines, IA. He had two brothers and two sisters whom he loved dearly.

Dennis attended East High School, graduating in 1978. From Little League through High School, he was a multi-sport athlete, participating in baseball, basketball, track, and excelling in football as a wide receiver. Many would remember his ‘60 Comet with the wings on the back, earning him the nickname ‘Comet Kid. ’ Everybody in High School loved him, and he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Family was always top of mind, and he spent as much time with his brothers and sisters as possible. In high school, he and his cousin, Les, were known as the ‘cool’ cousins, though he would constantly follow around his brother, David, as they were only 18 months apart.

Dennis was a member of the 164L United Steelworkers Union, dedicating 29 years of his life to Titan Tires, retiring in 2017. He was a master griller, impressing family and friends with his burgers or ribs whenever he got the chance. He was a dedicated Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Cubs, and Iowa Hawkeyes fan, doing his best never to miss a game. He was an avid fantasy football player, being the commissioner for multiple family leagues through the years. He loved watching all of his court shows and game shows, playing along and giving his opinions when he felt like it. He was an avid fan of movies and music, often spending late into the night watching a film or listening to Parliament Funkadelics. Later in life, he enjoyed spending time fishing at Waterworks, casting his rods into the water with his friends Buddy, Butchie, Craig, and his wife, Kimi.

Dennis was a family man, always putting his family before anything else. His pride and joy were his children, Keyshawn and Marshawn, whose events he always attended without complaint, including show choir performances, football games, track meets, among many other activities. He had a passionate love for his wife, Kimi, whom he married in 2005. They spent 21 love-filled years together, often going to Prairie Meadows to watch the horse races. He enjoyed spending every moment possible with his family, even later in his life, constantly calling his family members to chat whenever he could.

Dennis was incredibly loving to family and friends alike. He took every moment possible to brag about his family members. He had a magnetic attraction like no other, making any stranger a friend within seconds of meeting them. He was the rock in many people’s lives, providing advice and opinions whenever needed. He was loved and cherished by many. Dennis went home to be with the Lord on July 28th, 2026, in Des Moines, IA, with his wife Kimi by his side.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Mevelyn “Sandy” Gunn and James Gunn; his brother, David Gunn; and his sisters, Linda Sue Gunn-Terrell and Penny Jo Gunn-Morris.

Those left to cherish Dennis’ memory and legacy include his loving wife, Kimi Gunn-Kessler; his two sons, Keyshawn and Marshawn Gunn; his brother Emmitt Gunn (Anita); his mother-in-law Janine Jensen; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever remember his joy, magnetic personality, and love.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held at F&O’s/Felix and Oscar’s, 4050 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, on August 15th from 12:00 PM-3:00 PM. Please feel free to come to tell stories, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the life of Dennis.