Dennis O'Grady Obituary

Dennis Robert O'Grady, 76, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Harmony Hospice of West Des Moines after learning of a cancer diagnosis in October. The family will receive friends 4-7 pm Friday, December 13th at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines where a Vigil Service will begin at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am Saturday, December 14th at the church. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Denny was born to Thomas and Gena (Harang) O’Grady on June 20, 1948, the middle of three children. Denny developed a deep love of sports growing up in Des Moines, getting to travel around the Midwest with his father to follow the New York Yankees. He would often say that he was undersized to play his favorite sports competitively but this didn’t hold him back from being an integral part of athletics at his schools. He became the manager for the football, basketball and baseball teams at Dowling Catholic High School, where he would graduate in 1967. His loyalty to the Maroons remained tried and true throughout his lifetime. He would continue his education at the University of St Thomas in St Paul, Minnesota, where he would study Journalism and continue managing the Tommies football and basketball teams until his graduation in 1971.

Throughout his adult life, he was dedicated to the uplifting of others around him. In June of 1971, Denny would find himself applying for a Sports Editor position at the Carroll Times Herald and this would begin a 30 year career as a Sports writer, covering Northwest Iowa. Early morning calls to coaches, traveling to as many games as he could, working late into the night to meet deadlines and making long lasting relationships along the way. Although he devoted his professional life to following and reporting on the sporting endeavors of the athletes in Carroll, Iowa and in the surrounding towns, generations of children, now adults, are adamant that Denny was their biggest fan. His commitment to shining a positive light on student athletes would be unmatched throughout his career and beyond. He forever enshrined on field endeavors in print, as well as, lobby for representation of Northwest Iowa athletes on All-state teams. Each holiday season, Denny would share his famous Christmas Letter, in a full-page ad, where he would acknowledge and highlight dozens upon dozens of friends and family in print.

The summer of 2001 would mark the end of an era as Denny returned home to Des Moines to care for his beloved mother, Gena, whose health had been in decline from the effects of dementia. He would remain close to the sports community and spark relationships with athletes and families via a job at Van Ginkel’s, a Central Iowa Sporting Goods staple. Denny was a remarkable, loving caretaker, directly responsible for several years of home care that she otherwise may not have had if not for his devotion. He stayed by her side until her passing in 2005.

Although he set down the pen and paper of a sports writer, he powered up the microphone of a broadcaster. In his distinct and true voice, he gave sound to the athletic conquests of Dowling Catholic High School sports for over 20 years. From the football field to the basketball court, and every venue in between, he announced the Maroon players and their opponents with enthusiasm and grace. As Denny has said, “I love watching the success of the kids. Nowadays they don’t get the coverage in the paper so I just try and give them a little extra recognition and I try to be exuberant on the mic… just being a true Maroon!” Prior to his passing, Denny was inducted into the Dowling Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his years of outstanding dedication to his alma mater. When presented with the placard in his hospital room, his last comment was "I did it for the kids”.

The name, Denny O'Grady, invokes different memories in all of us. Some stories for print and publication for all to read. Other memories, to be the source of a half smile taking you back to the middle of an adventure or rowdy conversation with him. A person's wealth and measure can be evaluated in many ways. Denny's impact on this world will be measured by the memories of people all across the state that he lifted up and helped shine on dark days or victorious evenings. Whether you knew him as Uncle Denny, ”Scoop”, or Mr. Maroon, his light will shine on in all of our hearts. For his athletes, his words are forever embodied in print, archiving countless stories. For so many others, his sharp voice cut the air, broadcasting their athletic achievements for the world to hear. For his friends, his boisterous, laughter and depth of knowledge sealed the bonds for so many relationships. For his family, his stories and memories will forever live on around our dinner tables. There’s no way to encapsulate the life of Denny O'Grady in just one page; the private stories and memories shared with him could easily fill a worthy tome, each tale more unforgettable than the last.

Denny was a true beacon of resiliency and living life to the fullest. He was strong in his faith, and lived a full life of putting others before himself. He was an active member of St Augustin’s Catholic Church community.

He is survived by his sister Maureen (Mike) Badeaux of West Des Moines; nieces and nephew, Meredith (Matt) Schaffer of Lincoln, Nebraska, Morgan Badeaux of West Des Moines, Marc (Maggie) Badeaux of Clive, and Mollie (Brett) Damos of Clive; great-nieces and nephews, Brody, Emmerie, Brecken and Briggs Schaffer, Noelle, Joliette, Gemma, Maelee and Bernadette Badeaux, and Beau and Theodore Damos.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas “TJ” O’Grady, and nephew Matthew Badeaux.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dowling Catholic High School Athletic Fund.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel

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