NCHA News

Dennis Storms: 1942-2021

Dennis was born November 9, 1942, the 3rd child of Raymond and Lacy (Kenton) Storms at Grant, Nebraska and passed away on January 2, 2021. He attended grade school at the Ryno Table Country School. He graduated high school at Broken Bow with the class of 1961. He attended Kearney State College. He was active in sports in high school and was inducted into the Broken Bow sports hall of fame. He married Marilyn Powell on October 20th, 1962. They were blessed with five beautiful children: Jolene, Justin, Jana Kaelin, Jeffery, and Jeena Haffener. Dennis was exceptionally proud of his children and loved following their activities in sports and horse shows. His nine grandchildren were the apples of his eye. He served the Lord by willingly sharing his testimony on occasion with organizations, such as the Burwell Rodeo Cowboy Church. He served as elder, as a deacon, and as a Sunday School Teacher.

He served on several public boards and committees that include fair boards, 4-H Horse leader, Nebraska Technological College of Agricultural, Director of Nebraska Quarter Horse Association, Cutting Horse Association of Nebraska, and often holding an office position.  He assisted with the development of the horse competition and horse sale for the Nebraska Cattlemen Classic.  He was an honorary member of the University of Nebraska Block and Bridle, FFA, and he managed the 4-H State Horse Expo at Fonner Park in Grand Island for several years.

Dennis’ passion in life was to be the best horseman he could be. He was a well-renowned trainer, coach, mentor, and competitor. He enjoyed learning with and mentoring many who shared the same horse passion.  He turned his passion into a profession and mastered many breeds (Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, Pasofino, Arabians) in several disciplines.  He was gifted at developing horses, whether it be a reiner, cutter, roper, or working cow horse. He was a talented roper and exceptional at breaking the craft into teachable actions.  

Dennis was an international judge throughout North America for many horse associations for nearly 40 years. A career highlight was being selected as one of the Cattle Class judges for the 1999 World Championship Quarter Horse Show. Additionally, he competed at many World Championships as a top ten competitor several times. He showed the World Champion Reiner in the Appaloosa World Show. In honor of his accomplishments, he was recognized by multiple organizations as a milestone member, was a lifetime member of the American Quarter Horse Association, and Silver Legacy member of the World Series of Team Roping and the United States Team Roping Championships. 

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn (Powell) Storms, his children Jolene Storms, Justin (Tracy) Storms, Jana (Gordon) Kaelin, Jeffery (Brandee) Storms, and Jeena (Brett) Haffener. His grandchildren Tory (Nick) Olmstead, Shelby Storms, Tucker Storms, Court Kaelin, Frazier Kaelin, Cade Haffener, Sydney Haffener, Jackson Haffener, and Maxwell Haffener. 

Brothers Gary (Irene) Storms, John (Kathy) Storms and Kendall (Linda) Storms; Sister In Law Marlene (Howard) Ballenger, Gloria Brown and Neil Powell and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceding him in death are parents Raymond and Lacy (Kenton) Storms, Sister Jan Shippy, Brother Arthur Storms, Father and Mother In-law Gilbert and Ilene Powell, Brother In-law Doug Brown.