Dennis Fellhauer

Dennis O. L. Fellhauer, 61, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, died July 30, 2026, at Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska, following a six-month battle with stage 4 kidney cancer. Diagnosed in February 2026, Dennis remained positive and motivated as he underwent treatment. His family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received from Methodist Hospital in Omaha and Nebraska Cancer Specialists.

He was born Nov. 15, 1964, in Alton, Illinois. Dennis grew up in Edwardsville, where his love for music and the performing arts took root. He graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1982 and continued his education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, majoring in theater and dance and singing with the Concert Chorale. Throughout high school, he was active in Celebration Company at Eden United Church of Christ and Edwardsville Junior Theater.

Dennis later moved to Chicago, where he turned his artistic talents into a career restoring homes, refinishing antiques and transforming living spaces. For many years, he owned and operated DOL Finishes, a business that allowed him to combine his creativity with his desire to make a difference in people's lives. Dennis had a gift for seeing possibilities where others might not. As Dennis once explained, "I take things that are old, worn out, and dated and give them a fresh new look. I bring color and joy to people's homes and lives and help them be happier in the space they occupy."

While in Chicago, he volunteered at the food bank at All Saints Episcopal Church, helping prepare meals for neighbors in need. He also supported the Friday lunch program at Immanuel United Methodist Church and the Brown Bag Buddies summer lunch program at Glen Ed Pantry in his hometown.

Dennis and his partner, Brian Wedemeier, met Oct. 24, 2014, in Council Bluffs. Their paths crossed in the historic Gibraltar neighborhood. Eventually, they purchased the smallest house on the block, becoming only the third owners of the property. Over the next decade, Dennis poured his creativity and care into making the house their home. Dennis and Brian loved opening their home to friends, hosting gatherings and participating in holiday house tours. They also transformed a vacant lot into a thriving wildflower and vegetable garden. When they weren't working on their home or garden, they enjoyed trips to the mountains with their beloved Australian Shepherds, affectionately known as "the Boys," on what they called their "Dog-Adventures."

Music remained an important part of Dennis' life. He joined Omaha's River City Mixed Chorus, lending his tenor voice to the ensemble and enthusiastically supporting its outreach and fundraising efforts. He contributed raffle baskets and helped sell Big Gay Lottery tickets to provide scholarships and support the chorus.

In his final years, Dennis began a new chapter as an assistant manager at Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits in Council Bluffs. He enjoyed the daily interactions with customers and developed friendships with many of his regulars, whom he affectionately called his "people."

Dennis is survived by his partner, Brian Wedemeier, and their beloved Australian shepherds, Levi, Wrangler and Calvin; his siblings, David (Becky) Fellhauer, Pat (Armand) Boudreau, Penny (Tom) May and Dale Fellhauer; and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Brian's family: parents Dwight and Jan Wedemeier; brother Brad (Ann) Wedemeier; and niece and nephew Clayton and Cortney Wedemeier. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Dorothy (Ludwig) Fellhauer; his sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Mike Clarkin.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 ' 3-8 p.m. ' The Mile Away, 20270 Old Lincoln Highway, Council Bluffs

Friends and loved ones are invited to gather and celebrate the life of Dennis on Oct. 24, 2026, the anniversary of the day he and Brian met. It will be an opportunity to share memories, celebrate friendships and honor a man who brought so much color and joy to the lives of others.

Dennis' family held a celebration of life Aug. 29 in Edwardsville, Illinois.