Denise Annette Gellhaus

   Denise Gellhaus, 72, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha. Denise was born on October 31, 1953, in Primghar, Iowa to Bernard and Ellen Watterson.

   After graduating from Sutherland High School, Denise attended cosmetology school, where she met her future husband, Roger Gellhaus. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. They began their life together in Spencer, Iowa where Denise worked as a teacher at the cosmetology school and later at Spencer National Bank.

   In 1985, Roger and Denise moved with their children to Omaha, where Denise worked for Millard Public Schools and Security National Bank.

   Denise found joy in life’s simple pleasures—camping with family and friends, traveling with Roger in their RV, spending time with her grandchildren, and creating beautiful needlework. Her greatest joy was the time she shared with those she loved most.

   Denise is survived by her loving husband, Roger; her two sons, Steve and Dan, both of Omaha; and her three grandchildren, Noah, Elijah, and Linnaya. She also leaves behind her honorary children: Jodi (David) Wohlford of Geneva, Iowa; Shelli (Ron) Sojka of Ainsworth, Iowa; Holli (Gary) Allen of Brookings, South Dakota; and Andrew Rowell of Fort Collins. Colorado. She was also a beloved “Grandmother in Love” to Jackson and Joshua Wohlford.

   She is also survived by her siblings: Dawn (Ron) Feucht of Spencer, Iowa; Dave (Sue) Watterson of Hastings, Minnesota; Darrell (Ginny) Watterson of Ray, North Dakota; and Dale Watterson of Julian, California; along with many nieces and nephews.

   Denise was preceded in death by her sister, Debra; her parents, Bernard and Ellen Watterson; and Roger’s parents, Verlin and June Gellhaus.