Dusty Wallace

Dusty Gene Wallace, 51, of Long Grove, Iowa, passed away at his home in Long Grove on May 29, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held at the family home on July 19th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All who knew and loved him are welcome.

Dusty was born at Misawa Air Force Base, Aomori, Japan, on May 2, 1974, to Ron and Debbie (Smith) Wallace. He graduated from Hamilton Technical College with a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology on April 11, 2007.

He was married to Karah Sanders on February 14, 2004. 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, working 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, whom he rescued with a can stuck on her head.

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 art, and one of his favorite things to do was work 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.

Sue Herrera, Patty Copeland, Chris Bries, and Kathlene Quinn were special friends to Dusty.

He is survived by three children: Jacob Mayabb, Chelsey Chapman, and Kameran Wallace; his parents; and many uncles and aunts.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Herb and Mary Smith, and Darrel and Ruth Wallace; and three uncles: Dan Smith, Dick Smith, and David Wallace.

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.

We want to say thank you to the first responders who tried to save his life, and to the folks at Vera French, for the years of his care.

Blessed is the one who takes care of God's creatures, whom they were given charge of.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on his memory page at mvcremation.com