Obituary of Dennis Eldon Sabin

Dennis Eldon Sabin, the oldest son of Eldon G Sabin and Gladys May Eisenhower, was born March 22, 1951 in Estherville, Iowa. He attended Estherville High School where he was active in the FFA, serving as Secretary during his Junior Year and President during his Senior year. He graduated in 1969. He then continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, graduating with a degree in diesel mechanics. He worked briefly at Pepsi in Estherville and then worked for J.D. Implement doing machinery set up and truck driving. In 1975, Dennis moved to southern Iowa and began working for Sport Wade Inc. hauling fuel, gas and propane. It was during one of the deliveries that his future father-in-law asked him if he would be interested in hiring on as farm help. Dennis worked for Carl for three years waiting on Carla to ‘grow up’ and graduate from high school. On July 22, 1978 he and Carla Marie Nauman were united in marriage in Leon, Iowa. They farmed in partnership with Carla’s parents until 1992. They were blessed with three children during that time, Shannon Denise in 1980, Shonna Danielle in 1982, and Shawn David in 1984. In January of 1993 the family moved to rural Newton, bringing with them the menagerie of horses, cows, cats and a dog with the occasional goat, chickens, geese, and pet pigs thrown in. Dennis began working for Mid-Iowa Equipment, hired as a truck driver, but because of his knowledge became the jack of all trades doing everything from mechanic work to farming and everything in between. In early 2013 Dennis was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. In December of 2013 he nearly died from the lack of oxygen to his system. We were blessed with a few more months of his presence as he took on a new role of house husband with his oxygen machine in tow. He referred to the oxygen machine as his mistress many times over because he wasn’t able to go anywhere without it. He was able to attend his 45th High School Class Reunion and was happy to reconnect with his classmates. Dennis loved his kids and grandkids and was pretty much a kid himself his whole life. He enjoyed golfing, motorcycling, bike trips, working on cars and farming. Dennis never knew a stranger and would start up a conversation with anyone he came in contact with. Dennis died on Monday, December 15, 2014 at the age of 63. He was preceded in death by his father, Eldon Sabin; his son, Shawn Sabin in June of this year; his grandson, Xander Partelow in November of this year; his brother, Gary Sabin; maternal grandmother, Helen K. Eisenhower; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl and Sylvia Nauman; and a nephew, Chad Nauman. Those left to honor Dennis’ memory include his wife, Carla of Newton; his daughters, Shannon Sabin of Des Moines, Iowa and Shonna (Lucas) Partelow of Des Moines, Iowa; his grandson, Marshan Sabin-Carter; his granddaughters, Kayleigh, Hayleigh, and Shayleigh Partelow; his mother, Gladys Sabin of Estherville, Iowa; his brother, Roger (Karen) Sabin of Estherville, Iowa; his sister, Nancy (Steve) Willke of Weldon, Iowa and many nieces, nephews, and friends.