Dennis Wayne Valet

Dennis Wayne Valet, born on October 10, 1947, in Muscatine, Iowa, passed away into the Lord's hands on June 28, 2026 (78 years) in Independence, Missouri.

Earning his MBA at UMKC in the mid-1980's, Dennis worked for IBM in Kansas City, MO, for 25 years as a regional budget manager. After retiring from IBM in 1994, he then worked as a financial consultant and advisor until he retired for good in 2016. For many years thereafter, Dennis kept in touch with several of his former clients, faithfully calling them every year on their birthdays and anniversaries.Playing sports such as basketball, softball, ping pong and pool were important hobbies throughout Dennis' life. He also loved watching sports on tv, as well as the Olympics, especially figure skating. He enjoyed rooting for his beloved Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and his Iowa Hawkeyes, often getting to the point of giving both the commentators AND players a piece of his mind.

Dennis was always among the first to send greeting cards and texts on birthdays and anniversaries. He was rarely, if ever, late to any family gatherings or meetings. He loved watching fireworks and wore clothing and hats printed or embroidered with an eagle in red, white and blue.

Dennis coined the phrase, "I'm going out back to stir the ice cream", referring to the days he took regular smoke breaks outside. "Step into my office" was an indicator that he had something of importance to discuss, and would also happily announce, "retirement - I recommend it to everyone!".

Later in life, Dennis preferred more of a quiet-yet-present role in the life of his kids and grandkids. As a main passion throughout his retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed being present in his grandchildren's sports, musical, and social activities over the years. He also took much joy in traveling around the nation touring many national parks with some of his grandkids.

Dennis made it abundantly clear that he lead a life of accomplishment, imperfection, and contentment having "traveled and seen everything I ever wanted or hoped to see". He was ready to move on to his next chapter in heaven where he was eager to reunite with his son, Seth, his best friend, Gary Marsh, and his own parents, Hilda and Gerald Valet.

He was preceded in death by his son, Seth Andrew Valet, who passed away in 2021. Dennis is survived by his former wife, Dorothy (Link) Valet, and his remaining three sons: Michael Dwayne Valet and his wife Carla, Jared Bryan Valet and his wife Maloree, and Ethan Edward Valet and his wife Lauren, as well as his daughter-in-law, Melody Valet, the wife of his late son, Seth Andrew Valet. He is survived by 10 grandchildren, and 4 siblings, Jerry Valet, John Valet, Dick Valet, & Linda Staley. 

Dennis will be greatly missed and we look forward to one day reuniting with him in the unimaginable beauty and glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, our Rock and our Redeemer. To Him be all glory, praise and honor.

A small and private celebration of life will soon be scheduled in Dennis' memory.

Please send donations to: Grace United Church of Christ in Wilton, IA, First Baptist Church of Lee's Summit in Lee’s Summit, MO, Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO, Heartland Honor Flight in Kansas City, MO, University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Warrensburg, MO, and/or University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC) in Kansas City, MO.