Obituary for Dennis Lee Wright

Dennis L. Wright, 84, of Newton, Iowa, passed away peacefully at MercyOne Newton Medical Center on August 6, 2026. He was a devoted husband, father and Hawkeye fan. 

From 1964-68, “Porky” played as a running back for the State College of Iowa and UNI. Dennis’ career in education spanned 35 years. He served as a math teacher and wrestling coach in Saginaw, MI and Davenport, IA in his early years. Later, he became a school administrator for the communities of Edinburg, Colfax, Menden, Prophetstown, and Hamilton in Illinois. Additionally, he was a principal in Eddyville-Blakesburg and Afton in Iowa.

Dennis was an avid collector and a lifelong fan of Iowa Hawkeye football. Saturdays in the fall were reserved for cheering on the Hawkeyes and selling his treasures. Self-proclaimed as Pin Man, Raconteur, Merchant of Melrose, and Hawkeye Ambassador, Dennis was a vendor on Melrose Drive outside Kinnick Stadium for 32 years. He sold 131 different pin designs at 203 games.

Dennis had an incredible ability to remember and tell jokes and poems. He had a joke for every occasion, a quick wit, and a talent for making everyone around him smile. 

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Vicki R. Wright of Newton, Iowa and daughter-in-law, Jen Fox, of Iowa City, along with many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan S. Wright.

A private burial service for his family will be held at a later date.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in remembering the stories he loved to tell, the collections he proudly shared, and the laughter that will echo in their hearts along with “Go Hawks!”