1940-2026
Dennis Leon Cain, 85, son of Emmett and Bertha (Bean) Cain, was born Aug. 19, 1940, in Jefferson. He passed away Friday, July 24, 2026, at his home west of Bagley.
He grew up west of Bagley on one of the Cain family farms. He graduated from Bagley High School then attended both Iowa State University and Buena Vista University for a year each. As a youth, he was active in Cub Scouts and Dodge Dodgers 4-H of which he was later a leader for many years.
In June 1963, he married Carol Elston of Perry. They settled and lived their entire life within 2 miles of where he grew up. They welcomed three children in quick succession: Christopher Lynn, Curtis Alan and Kimberly Ann. Denny and Carol worked hard on the farm raising crops, pigs and cattle.
Denny was a member of the Bagley United Methodist Church, the Guthrie County Youth Committee, Bagley Lions Club, and Bagley Fire Department. He was an original founder of the Guthrie County Cattlemen and was active with them for years. He was the Beef Superintendent of the Guthrie County Fair for more than 40 years.
Denny enjoyed cattle, 4-H, ISU, sports of all kinds, watching old Westerns and traveling. Over the years, he and his wife, often with one or more of their children, traveled to Colorado (many times to visit family there), Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida (to visit his sister, Maria), Arkansas, Oregon and Washington (to visit Carol’s family). They also went on a number of cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. Denny loved Iowa State especially Iowa State Football. He had season tickets to football when his children were in high school and later with his daughter, Kim. He was looking forward to this year’s games. He was able to attend a bowl game with his son, Chris, and the Big 12 Championship game in Dallas with his daughter, Kim, and grandson, Evan. He enjoyed tailgating with their friends and any others he could find to talk to. Denny had a quirky, ornery sense of humor. He never knew a stranger and loved nothing more than talking to people.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Chris (Dawn), Curt (Karla) and Kim; his grandchildren, Stephanie (Trevor) Pederson, Zachary (Katlyn) Cain, Cody Cain, Brooke Cain, Cain Neuharth and Evan Neuharth; great-grandchildren, Wilder and Korrie Cain; sister, Marla (Jim) Ray; and sister-in-law, Linda (Bob) Doran. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026m at the Event Center at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds, Guthrie Center from 1-4 p.m. The Guthrie County Cattlemen will be grilling for the celebration. Please wear your ISU attire or favorite sports team.
Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with his services.