Dennis "Doc" James Whitsell, 78, of Chelsea, IA passed away January 25, 2024.

Dennis was born August 27, 1945 to Sidney and Milred (Posekany) Whitsell in Chelsea, IA. He attended school in Chelsea, then graduated from Belle Plaine High School, class of 1963. Doc furthered his education at Iowa State University, earning his master's degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1969. Doc started his career in Chadron, NE for a few years before moving back to his hometown of Chelsea and start his own practice; Countryside Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Whitsell served many through his practice of 54 years.

On September 15, 1973, Doc married Charlotte Janss. Together they raised their daughters in rural Chelsea.

Growing up on the family farm Doc enjoyed farming and loved to take his chainsaw and work the timber in his younger days. He enjoyed following Charlotte to her horse shows and attending his grandchildren's events. He truly loved being a veterinarian and cared for his clients. He was a member of Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the Academy of Veterinary Consultants.

Doc worked hard and loved playing jokes on his friends. Charlotte could always find him in a crowd by his laughter. He was a good husband and father; he will be missed by his family every day.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Charlotte of Chelsea; daughter, Tiffany (Toby) Torstenson of Waukee; grandchildren, Chayse, Sydney, Dawson and Walker; brother, Charles Whitsell of Chelsea.

Doc is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sydna Whitsell (1994).

Funeral service is 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2024 at the First Lutheran Church, Belle Plaine. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

Visitation is 9-11 a.m. Friday, February 2nd at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at wwwneuhausfuneralservice.com