Robert Ellis DEAN

DEAN, WHITE, DUFFUS, MITCHEM, SPARBOE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/3/2010 at 10:37:15

September 9, 1913 - October 8, 2008

ACKLEY, IA — Robert Ellis Dean, a resident of the Presbyterian Village in Ackley, died on Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Monday, October 13, at the Ackley United Methodist Church. The Sietsema Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the AGWSR Community Schools, where they will be used for the school band music program.

Robert, the son of Ernest and Ethelyn (White) Dean, was born on September 9, 1913 in Ellis Township, Hardin County. Bob attended high school in Iowa Falls and Corydon. He graduated from the Ames High School in 1932. Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Simpson College in 1936, majoring in piano and organ. Bob later attended graduate school in New York City at Columbia University and earned a master’s degree from Drake University. After teaching music in several Iowa communities, Bob married Marjorie E. Duffus on June 5, 1941. Bob served stateside in the Army during World War II. Following his discharge he farmed and taught school in Story County. Bob accepted a position as band director and moved to Ackley in August 1947. In 1952 Bob quit full-time teaching. He began selling insurance and built that business while continuing to teach part-time at Popejoy, Hansell and Owasa. Upon consolidation of the Ackley and Geneva school systems, Bob taught junior high band and vocal music at Geneva. He retired in 1974 after 36 years of teaching. He continued to sell insurance until forced to retire due to deteriorating eyesight.

Bob was a faithful, lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. He held leadership roles on many committees and boards, serving his Lord in whatever capacity asked of him. As organist at the Ackley United Methodist Church for 46 years, he used his musical talents to glorify God. Bob was a member of the Ackley Rotary Club for 54 years and received the Paul Harris Fellow award. Bob enjoyed playing bridge, reading and gardening. In 2001 Bob became blind due to macular degeneration. By living life to the fullest and refusing to yield to bitterness, Bob inspired one and all with his positive attitude and his refusal to let blindness rob him of an independent, active life.

Survivors include daughter, Marilyn Mitchem of Bettendorf; son, Duane Dean of Cedar Falls; son-in-law, Donald Mitchem of Bettendorf; daughter-in-law, Debbie Dean of Cedar Falls; granddaughter, Melissa Mitchem of Bozeman, Montana; grandson, Mitchell Dean of Cedar Falls; plus nephews, nieces and cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marjorie; sister, Vivian Sparboe; brother, Lauren Dean; brother-in-law, Irving Sparboe; and sister-in-law, Margaret Dean.

October 15, 2008
Iowa Falls Times Citizen - Iowa