Robert Dean Handsaker (1935-2017)
HANDSAKER, PROCTOR, HILBURN, BLACK
Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/6/2017 at 08:13:38
From Ryan Funeral Home obituary, Nevada, Story County, Iowa:
Dean Handsaker, age 81, of Nevada, died Friday, April 14, 2017, at Story County Senior Care in Nevada.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada, with Pastors Myron Herzberg and David Burling officiating. Burial will follow in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. Memorial visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 4-7 p.m.
Born September 2, 1935, in Nevada, Iowa, Robert Dean Handsaker was the son of Harold “Pete” and Frances “Irene” (Proctor) Handsaker. He grew up in Fernald, a small farming community northeast of Nevada, and graduated from Fernald High School in 1953. Dean attended Iowa State University for a time and served eight years in the Iowa Air National Guard.
He farmed with his brother in the Fernald area from 1955-70, raising corn and soybeans, and also farrowed and finished 1000 hogs per year. During this time, Dean worked part-time as a basketball official. In 1990, the Iowa Athletic Coaches Association inducted him into the Basketball Officials Hall of Fame. In 2004, he was inducted into the Officials Hall of Fame by the IHSAA.
In 1967, Dean began working for Pioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company, first as a sales representative and, beginning in 1972, as sales manager. He retired after 26 years of service to the company.
On August 26, 1962, Dean was united in marriage to Marcia Hilburn in Nevada. The couple was blessed with three sons, Paul, Mark, and Dave.
Dean was a charter member of the Nevada Kiwanis Club. During the course of his nearly 45-year membership he served in many capacities, including as President and Lieutenant Governor. He was a faithful and active member of his church, serving on the council, in the choir, and on numerous fund drives and committees. He took an active role in the community as well, with eight years on the Nevada City Council, as 4-H Fairboard Secretary, 4-H leader, and countless other civic responsibilities.
Survivors include his wife, Marcia; three sons, Paul (Dianne) Handsaker of Pearl City, IL, Mark (Mary) Handsaker of Nevada; and Dave (Jennifer) Handsaker of Winterset; eight grandchildren, Garrett, Cheyenne, Paige, Cash, Sydney, Danielle Cunningham, Layla, and Cooper; and two great-grandsons, Parker and Max. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Gloria Handsaker of Nevada; a niece, Ryan (Beaman) Black; and three nephews, Gary, Rob, and Craig Handsaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dale “Hank” Handsaker.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Dean and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dean’s name may be directed to the Nevada Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 4, Nevada, IA 50201, or to Memorial Lutheran Church, 701 11th Street, Nevada, IA 50201.
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Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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