Dennis Leonard Svestka

Dennis Leonard Svestka, 79, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Silver Oak Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, where a memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. The Reverend Randy Pospisil will officiate. Private inurnment will be held at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website tribute page for Dennis, starting at the time of service.

Dennis was born on June 19, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Leonard and Marcella (Taylor) Svestka. He was a 1963 graduate of Jefferson High School. On July 17, 1965, Dennis was united in marriage to Theresa “Terri” Kae Cooley at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. He worked as a foreman with Lefebure, Johnson Gas, and Hawkeye Rubber until his retirement in 2001. He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Dennis cherished his time with his wife at the cabin on Lake Delhi, hanging out with family and friends, and drinking a cold Busch Light. He was a passionate bowler and a devoted fan of Iowa Hawkeyes football, as well as both men's and women's basketball—especially during the unforgettable “Caitlin Clark Era.” Above all, Dennis treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren. His warmth, humor, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dennis is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 60 years, Terri Svestka; children, Cheri Svestka, Gregory (Brenda) Svestka, and Steven (Maya) Svestka; five grandchildren, Kayte Benhart, Alyssa Hartwig, Nathan Svestka, Samantha Svestka, and Hudson Svestka; three great-grandsons, Mateo, Elijah, and Silas Benhart; siblings, Larry (Jane) Svestka, Gary (Nancy) Svestka, and Sandy (Tom) Oakley; sister-in-law, Debby Cooley; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son at infancy on September 12, 1969, Dennis Earl Svestka; two brothers-in-law, Earl S. Cooley, and Darrel “Randy” Cooley, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.