Dennis Lee Carter

Monday, May 15, 2023 3:58 pm

Dennis Lee Carter was born Au 16, g.1934, in Fort Dodge IA Marion and Genevieve Carter. He passed on Saturday May 6, 2023. He did so peacefully, just as he lived his life of 88 years.

Living in a wooded grove next to a railroad bed full of wildlife, he was first introduced to birds as he explored the wonderful outdoor world. He became a junior member of the Iowa Ornithology Union and continued to be a lifelong member. John James Audubon was his boyhood hero. After studying ornithology and earning a master’s in wildlife management at Iowa State University, Dennis worked as head naturalist for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Park Service at Jewell Cave in South Dakota, Denver Fish and Wildlife, Arches National Park, Utah, Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho, Shenandoah National Park and in Pennsylvania and New Jersey at Delaware Water Gap.

Upon retirement in 1990, Dennis moved to Decorah. He enjoyed leading numerous bird walks, being a member of the Upper Iowa Audubon Society, working at the Oneota Co-op, volunteering for hospice and giving nature talks to residents at area nursing homes.

He is survived by his sister, Lorraine Borowski of Decorah; and his brother Neal J Carter (Carol Gallagher) of Williams, VT. He was loved by his nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be missed by many.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Bring your own lawn chair and binoculars.