DENIS RAY HILDRETH

: DENIS RAY HILDRETH

DENIS RAY HILDRETH

ROCKWELL CITY — Denis Ray Hildreth, age 67, of Des Moines, IA passed away October 10, 2019 at Iowa Methodist Hospital. He was born prematurely to Donald and Dorothy Hildreth in Lake City, IA on September 3, 1952. Even at birth, Denis was never late for anything.

Denis grew up in Rockwell City, IA, graduating from Rockwell City High School in 1970. He held degrees from Simpson College, University of Minnesota and did post graduate work at Northwestern University in Evanston, Il.

He began a long teaching career with the Des Moines Public Schools in 1974. After retiring in 2011, he continued to work part-time as an advisor for the Central Academy’s Prep Academy. He loved his work with a deep, abiding passion.

Throughout his career, Denis received numerous recognitions and awards. He was proud to have been inducted into the IHSSA’s Hall of Fame in 2009. As a much loved, long time speech and drama teacher at Hoover High School in Des Moines, IA, the school district officially renamed the school’s auditorium the Denis Hildreth Auditorium in his honor.

He was active in the community theatre scene and enjoyed being a judge for the annual Cloris Awards that annually recognizes the best in community theatre in the Des Moines area.

Denis is survived by his sisters, Deb O’Tool of Fort Dodge, IA and Donna Hildreth of Des Moines, IA, nephews Zachary Riesselman (Amanda), Brody O’Tool (Nicole), great-nephew Teddy Riesselman, aunts and uncles, loving cousins, partner Todd Poland and beloved dog Poppy.

It was his wish to be cremated and he requested that no service be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to your local Alzheimer’s organization or the community theatre of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.