Worthan, Dean (1920-2008)

WORTHAN, PIERCE, SHANNON, MATTHEWS, GIDDINGS, LINDGREN, ROSENE, FAHRENKROG, KOCH, GOODCHILD, ELLIS, AHRENS, KRATZ

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 4/25/2010 at 16:53:39

Dean Worthan - July 3, 1920 - Aug. 22, 2008

Dean Worthan, age 88, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Friday, August 22, 2008, at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.

Ray LeDean Worthan was born July 3, 1920, in Oto, Iowa, the son of Ray L. and Ellen (Pierce) Worthan of Anthon, Iowa. Dean received his education in country schools near Anthon and in Anthon before graduating from Bronson High School in 1938. He continued his education another year and a half at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake.

On February 17, 1941, Dean was united in marriage to Rafa Shannon in Storm Lake. The couple was blessed with four children: Richard, Gary, Jean, and Jody.

In April of 1944, Dean entered the United States Navy to serve his country during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Iowa and to his family.

Dean was happy to spend his life working the land. He loved the farming life, milking his Jersey cows and having his family near. His first wife, Rafa, died in 1986. On March 5, 1988, Dean was married to Jeanette Matthews in Storm Lake.

A long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake, Dean also recognized his community responsibility and served in many organizations and capacities. He was a 4-H Leader for many years. Dean served on the Truesdale Elevator Board of Directors in the office of secretary, was president of the Albert City-Truesdale Board of Education, and served on the Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors. He was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows and the Farm Bureau.

Dean had a talent for woodworking and carving and enjoyed his membership in both the local and national Woodcarver’s Association. His appreciation for the history in this area led to his membership in the Buena Vista County Historical Society. And he found great pleasure in his membership with his friends in the Truesdale Farmers’ Club. Whenever he found a few spare moments, you could find him at the local fishing hole with a rod in his hands. Dean never knew a stranger. He loved to visit with everyone with whom he came in contact, and if you were a long-time friend, so much the better.

Above all else, Dean’s family was most important to him. He treasured the time he spent with his wife and children and in his later years his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His kind and caring ways will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 20 years, Jeanette, of Storm Lake; son Richard (Bonnie) Worthan of Broomfield, Colorado; son Gary (Jan) Worthan of Storm Lake; daughter Jean (Bill) Giddings of Sheldon, Iowa; daughter Jody (Doug) Lindgren of Nemo, South Dakota; one step-daughter, Karen (Gary) Rosene of Storm Lake; grandchildren: Grant (Traci) Worthan, Brooke Worthan, Major Ryan (Amy) Worthan, Gabriel (Emily) Worthan, Captain Shannon (Natalie) Worthan, K. Giddings, Reverend Michael Giddings, Mark Giddings, Julie (fiancé Aaron Fahrenkrog) Giddings, Elizabeth (Dan) Koch, Guy (Mandy) Lindgren, Wendy (J.D.) Goodchild, Kristen (Dave) Ellis; great-grandchildren: Zachary Worthan, Owen Worthan, Joshua Worthan, Jessica Worthan, Joseph Koch, LynnAnn Koch, Courtney Goodchild, Katelyn Goodchild, Molly Ellis, Benjamin Ellis, Luke Ellis, Anna Ellis, Sarah Ellis; sister Margery (Howard) Ahern of Puerto Rico; extended family and many friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Ray L. and Ellen Worthan; his first wife, Rafa Worthan; his sister, Dorothy Jean Worthan, who died in infancy; and his sister, Mary Ellen Kratz.

Services for Mr. Worthan will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2008, at United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Storm Lake Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Friends may call Sunday, August 24, 2008, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake where the family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00. An Order of Odd Fellows service will be held at 7:30 during visitation hours at the funeral home. Those who wish to send online condolences to the family may do so via the funeral home website: www.fratzkejensen.com

Copyright © 2008, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home
 

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