Denny was born on January 5, 1952, in Ames, Iowa, the son of Dean and Karen (Sesker) Harrison. He graduated from NESCO High School in 1970 and later received a degree in marketing from DMACC. At Iowa State University, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Cook. They were married at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Nevada on August 22, 1975, and together built a life rooted in faith and family.

Throughout his life, Denny had a deep connection to agriculture. He spent many years farming and raising livestock taking great pride in the land he worked and the animals he raised. He also spent much of his career operating Long Run Services, a business and role that meant a great deal to him. Denny loved being outdoors and was happiest when he had something to keep him busy. He could spend hours on his mower or tending to his high tunnel greenhouse and apple trees and especially enjoyed when neighbors and friends stopped by to visit and pick fresh produce to take home.

Denny’s greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed attending their events and, as his family grew, took great joy in supporting his grandchildren at recitals, concerts, and every activity they pursued. At sporting events, you could count on finding him in his lawn chair or stadium seat, cheering them on with a concession stand sandwich in hand. Denny took tremendous pride in simply showing up - supporting and celebrating the people he loved most. Those moments were among his most treasured and will remain special memories for his family for years to come.

Denny will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary, of Nevada; his daughters, Mindi (Brent) Heitland of Waukee and Joni (Andy) Klemesrud of Waukee; his son, Ryan (Ellen Schoville) Harrison, of Seminole, Florida; his grandchildren, Mack and Turner Heitland, and Nolan, Drew, and Olivia Klemesrud, and his sisters, Deann (Steve) Zmolek of Solon, Julie (Aaron Jones) Stevens of Ankeny, and Lynne (Jerry) Mitchell of Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Karen Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Nevada High School FFA Chapter, helping students experience the same love of agriculture that was such an important part of Denny’s life.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home, 1418 Fawcett Pkwy, in Nevada with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1110 11th Street, in Nevada. Burial will be at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Nevada.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.