Jerry Dean

Gerald W. "Jerry" Dean, the son of Ross C. and Ethel (Phillips) Dean, was born June 16, 1926 in Des Moines, IA. His childhood years were spent in Red Oak, where he received his early education. In Jerry's sophomore year of high school, his father was transferred to Spencer, Iowa, where Jerry continued his education, graduating from Spencer High School in 1944. Following his schooling, he entered the military and served his country during WWII from 1944, until his honorable discharge in November of 1946. He returned to Spencer and went to work for Fred Karcher of Olin's Market as a meat cutter. Jerry married Helen B. Stanton on August 22, 1948 in Spencer, Iowa. Following their marriage, he worked for Spencer Municipal Utilities as a lineman for 9 years. In 1957, he became an exterminator for Pest Kil Chemical Co. and in 1970, owner of Dean's Meat & Rat Bait. Jerry was an active life member of the Clay County VFW Post #3159, where he served as Commander and helped form the VFW Spencerettes Girls Drill Team. He established the Little Sioux Archery Club and helped build its first course. He also helped form the Softball Club in the 1960's, and was in charge of building the first field in Fairview Park. Jerry and Frank Thomas organized the Spencer Avenue of Flags in 1963, displaying 90 flags Memorial Day, 1964 and today they proudly display 1,260 flags. Jerry was also involved in the development of the Veteran's Memorial Monument. To honor all of his community activities, Jerry was elected Citizen Of The Year in 1996. Jerry and Helen enjoyed camping and square dancing with their many friends. They were charter members of the square dancing club, Spencer Squares, and National Square Dance Camper's Association. When asked what three things he was most proud of, he simply responded, his wife, Helen, his family, and the Avenue of Flags. Jerry passed away at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD on Friday, July 18, 2008 at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles A. Dean. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Helen, of Spencer; children: Barbara Dean of Spencer, Bob Dean and wife, Charlotte of Logan, IA, Rick Dean and wife, Nancy of Spencer; grandchildren: Melissa and Mark Stover, Kellie and Matt Lowe, Mike and Heather Dean, Eric Dean, Joseph Dean, Angie and Nick Isaia, and Kathy Bankston; his great-grandchildren: Kaleb and Kevin Stover, Matayah and Kendra Lowe, "Baby" Dean, Zackary, Micheala, Tristin, Nykola, Cheyenne and Alexandria Isaia, Terrance, Jazlyn, and Nathanial Bankston; other relatives and many friends. God saw he was getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around him and whispered "come with me" With tearful eyes we watched him suffer, and saw him fade away. And tho' we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest; God broke our hearts to show us, He only takes the best.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT