Dusty Gene Wallace, 51, of Long Grove, passed away May 29, 2025, at his home in Long Grove. A celebration of Dusty’s life will be held at the family home in Long Grove from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 19. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and share in remembering him.
Dusty was born at Misawa Air Force Base, Aomori, Japan, on May 2, 1974, to Ronald Wallace and Deborah (Smith) Wallace. He graduated from Hamilton Technical College with a degree in electronic engineering technology on April 11, 2007.
He was married to Kara Sanders on Feb. 14, 2004, at his home in Long Grove. They divorced after several years.
Dusty worked in construction for many years. He was a valued member of the team at Down By The Creek Companion Animal Sanctuary. He worked behind the scenes, caring for the animals and helping maintain facilities.
He loved all the animals at the sanctuary, but was especially fond of his cat, Tig, who he rescued with a can stuck on her head; Shorty, the miniature horse; Hamlet, the potbelly pig; and Chikita and Foxy, our chihuahuas.
Dusty’s soul was rooted in creativity. He was an artist who saw beauty in overlooked places. He had a deep passion for music and one of his favorite things was working on his car. Dusty lived a quiet, deeply impactful life, marked by dedication, creativity and quiet strength.
Dusty was under the care of the Vera French Community Mental Health Center.
He is survived by three children, Jacob Mayabb, Chelsey Chapman and Kameran Wallace; his parents; two brothers, Ronald P. Wallace and Roy Lee Wallace; his uncles, James Wallace, Dana Smith, Doug Smith, David Smith, Donny Smith and Dean Smith; and by his aunts, Deanna Holst, Darren Smith and Darcy McCormick. Sue Herrera, Patty Copeland, Chris Bries and Kathlene Quinn were all special friends to Dusty.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herb and Mary Rose Smith and Darrel and Ruth Wallace; and three uncles, Dan Smith and Dick Smith and David Wallace.
Thank you to the first responders who tried to save his life. Also, thank you to the folks at Vera French for the years of his care.
Memorials may be made to Down By The Creek Companion Animal Sanctuary, PO Box 177, Long Grove, IA 52756 or to the Vera French Community Mental Health Center.
“Blessed is the one who takes care of God’s creatures, whom they were given charge of.”
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