SIOUX CITY | Dennis VanMeter, 54, of Clive, Iowa, formerly of Sioux City, passed away Monday, July 4, 2016, after a courageous year-long battle against esophageal cancer.

A celebration of life Mass and luncheon will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Des Moines. Arrangements are under the direction of Ernst Funeral Home of Waukee, Iowa. Visitation will be 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Dennis was born on Oct. 12, 1961, in Sioux City, to Nancy VanMeter and Don VanMeter. He graduated from North High School and Briar Cliff University, where he met the love of his life, Maureen McElroy. They wed in 1984 and moved to the Des Moines area. Dennis was a loyal 30-year employee of AIG.

Family, especially his two sons and new grandson, meant the world to him.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Maureen; sons, Zach (Shannon) of Des Moines, and Nick (Katie) of Windsor, Colo.; grandson, Watson Dennis; mother, Nancy VanMeter of Sioux City; father, Don VanMeter of Sioux City; 20 loving and supportive brothers and sisters-in-law; along with numerous family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Terence and Mary Helen McElroy; and nephew, Kevin McElroy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Mercy Home Hospice, 1055 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314.