Dennis Roy Garner, 61, of Alliance, Nebraska, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at his home following a courageous two-year battle with prostate cancer.
Dennis was born January 6, 1965, to Donald and Lola (Soester) Garner. He was the first New Year’s baby born at Crawford Hospital in 1965 and was baptized on August 16, 2026.
Dennis attended Crawford schools, graduating in 1983. He played center on the 1982 football team that reached the state playoffs for the first time in school history. Known as “Beaver” in his school years, he later became “DG” to most of his friends and the Alliance community.
Hard work was part of Dennis’s life from an early age, from mowing lawns to milking cows before sunrise. He earned an Auto Body Technology degree from Southeast Community College in 1985 and worked at Todd’s Body and Frame in Alliance for nearly 40 years, until his health forced his early retirement.
Dennis enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. For more than 30 years, he looked forward to annual elk hunting trips to Colorado with his buddies. He especially loved attending brandings with family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand and enjoy time together.
Dennis is survived by his devoted partner, Nancy Thurman; her daughter, Tara Herman, and grandson, Sawyer Benigno; his mother, Lola Garner; brothers, Max (Nancy) Garner and Bret (Kathy) Garner; niece, Jennifer (Rob) Lopez, and their children, Lucas, Brynlee, and Myla; and nephews, Nathan (Candace) Emmett and Emery, Kyle (Heather) Logan and Tucker, and Dylan, Jared, and Nick (Kerigan). He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Donald Garner; niece, Kayla; and grandparents, Roy and Ruth Garner and Bob and Ruby Soester.
Dennis will be remembered for his hard work, sense of humor, friendships, and love for those closest to him. Whether you knew him as Dennis, Beaver, or DG, he left a lasting impression, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Alliance Eagles Club on West 3rd Street in Alliance, Nebraska, with lunch to follow. Pastor Steve Mallery will officiate
In honor of Dennis’s memory, family and friends are encouraged to wear fall colors or camouflage as a tribute to his love of the outdoors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in care of Nancy Thurman, 6981 Otoe Road, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301, and given to East Point Horspice or the Box Butte County Fair.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.