Graveside Service With Full Military Honors:
Saturday, February 2, 2019
10:00 AM
Glenwood Cemetery
1105 North Locust Street
Glenwood, Iowa 51534
Military Honors provided by Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue, Nebraska.
Dennis E Nutting, 62, of Hilo, Hawaii passed away December 19th, 2018 at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. He was at peace; cocooned in the compassionate love of his family. Even in his last moments, Dennis shared his journey with untold love and grace.
Dennis had a passion for family. He was born to Thomas and Lois Nutting of Glenwood, Iowa on April 3rd, 1956. Researching his genealogy was a most beloved pastime. Dennis was a compassionate husband and father, and his unquestionable love for family allowed him to easily put their needs above his own. Dennis is survived by his wife Catherine of Hilo, Hawaii; stepmother Charlene Nutting of Glenwood, Iowa; brothers Don (Paula) of St. Charles, Missouri, Daniel (Juli) of Hill City, South Dakota; sister-in-law Carol Dunigan (Greg) of Hilo, Hawaii; father-in-law Norman Dowell of Hilo, Hawaii; sons Adam of Tucson, Arizona, Alex (Rachael and grandsons Henry, Wyatt) of Freeburg, Illinois, Austin (Beth) of Ames, Iowa and their mother Rosanne of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Dennis had a passion for learning. He graduated from Glenwood Community High School in 1974. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics from Parks College of St. Louis University and a Master of Science Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His life-long love of learning provided a breadth of knowledge; enabling him to speak intelligently on such diverse topics as regional and world politics to obscure string theory. Dennis could walk into any situation with grace and confidence, putting others at ease; an especially useful talent as a mentor and educator. As a dynamic and animated public speaker, he easily connected with his peers, students, and the community.
Dennis had a passion for flying. He retired from the US Air Force active duty as a Lieutenant Colonel instructing at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri. He then became a courseware design specialist and C-27J instructor pilot with L-3 Communications and Alenia Aeronautica of Turin, Italy. As a Command Pilot, Dennis had over 5000 hours of flight time. At the time of his passing, he was the Chief Pilot and Instructor Pilot of Asia Pacific Airlines serving as a Boeing 757 captain.
Dennis had a passion for serving. His devotion to others led him from protecting and serving his country to protecting and serving every community in which he lived. For the Boy Scouts, Dennis served as a volunteer Adult Scout, held many roles such as Cub Scout Cubmaster, and was a District Outstanding Service Award recipient. He and Cathy were regular foster parents to many animals in need at the Hawaii Island Humane Society in Keaau, Hawaii. Dennis was actively the Vice Chairman of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation East Hawaii Region Board of Directors. He cared deeply for advancing the vision of healthcare in Hawaii.
Dennis had a passion for life. He enjoyed talking with people immensely; sharing the human story. He was moved by music. Dennis treasured traveling Europe, building models, driving Miata’s; especially his precious green “baby”. Most important was spending time with the people he loved. His service moved him across North America, Asia and Italy to Cathy and his home in Hilo, Hawaii. Despite his long battle with cancer, he made the most of his time while continuing to pursue his passions. Words fail to convey the loss and grief felt by his family and friends who loved him so dearly. His laughter, generosity of spirit, and infinite capacity for love and understanding will be cherished and live on in the hearts of those who shared his journey.
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
A celebration of life will follow at a later date in Hilo, Hawaii. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials to be directed to the family, or the Hawaii Island Humane Society, PO Box 939, Keaau Hawaii 96749.
10 Condolences
My thoughts and prayers go out to friends and family of Dennis. He was an Air Force brother,mentor,, and friend for 35 yesrs. Rest in peace my brother . We’ll see you on the other side.
Dennis was a superior Air Force Officer and family man. I feel fortunate for having our paths cross while part of the AATTC. Peace to the family. Rest in peace my friend Dennis Nutting.
Dennis was a compassionate and talented guy. Our grandmothers were next door neighbors and he was always an inclusive person. His family has my deepest sympathy and condolences. Peace be with you all.
My condolences to his family and friends. A great person to work with at the AATTC. He will be missed by many.
I worked with Dennis at Pope AFB, NC and then joined him at the AATTC, St Joseph, Mo in 1986. We worked closely together until his retirement, as the AATTC program was developed and upgraded. Dennis was a self taught computer wiz and infected all of us with his enthusiasm and drive for a premier training program for our airlift forces, the only one of its kind. We became Instructional Developers, testers, platform instructors and so much more.
Gone West far too early. I fondly remember watching the Arizona sunsets from our ops in Ft Huachuca, sipping a cold one after a long day and the crews were billeted.
Rest easy, Dennis, you live on in our memories and in the AATTC.
Blue skies and tailwinds, Magic.
Please accept our sincere condolences. We’ll.keep you all in our prayers.
We are keeping the family of Dennis in our hearts and prayers during this time. Our deepest sympathy to all.
I hope that it is never too late to send my condolences. Dennis’ father, Tom Nutting, was my double second cousin. Tom’s grandparents, Oran Walter Irwin and Clarissa Elizabeth Shurtliff, were brother and sister of my grandparents, Robert Albert Irwin and Eva Lena Shurtliff. I didn’t get acquainted with any of the family until a cousin of Tom’s brought me a wonderful booklet on the Irwin and Shurtliff families back in 2005. I did have the privilege of meeting Dennis a couple of times, and exchanged many emails with him. He was bright and articulate, and I will be forever indebted to him for helping me to develop my love for genealogy.
I am just getting the news about Mr Nutting’s passing, we had worked together through Asia Pacific Airlines & Runway Wayne LLC. He was a pleasure to work with & I will miss his professionalism
Dennis was like a brother that I never had! Brother I will miss your wisdom you’re caring for others and your friendship! RIP
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