3, 1952. Dean taught school in northern Iowa for two years prior to "getting on" at the VAMC in Knoxville, Iowa where he became the director of the Department of Recreation. Dean and Greta moved to Knoxville and lived in town prior to buying a 120 acre farm east of Knoxville in 1964, where he lived for 51 years. He retired from the VA in 1982 to devote more time to his second full time job, farming.
Dean enjoyed farming, bird-watching, turkey hunting and visits from his grandchildren. He was a 4H leader, referee, kids' sports coach, dog trainer, self-taught mechanic and home repairman, gardener, welder and woodworker. He lived his life with integrity, practiced soil conservation and loved wildlife preservation.
He is survived by daughter Lesley of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and grandchildren Eric, Emily and Evan; son Dennis and his wife Angie of Durand, Illinois and grandchildren Sarah, Brett and Kirsten; son Martin of Des Moines, Iowa and grandchildren Kali, Hannah and Sophie. He was preceded in death by his wife Greta, parents, brothers Charles, Howard and Bob, and infant grandson Carl Van Zee.
Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville or the National Wild Turkey Federation. His family wishes to thank his physician Brent Hoehns and the staff of Knoxville Hospital, Westridge and Homestead.
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