Dean Deke

Dean D. Deke

April 15, 1944 – January 16, 2025

Dean D. Deke, 80, of Waterloo, died on January 16, 2025. He was born in Waterloo on April 15, 1944, to H.E. and Lucille (Vogt) Deke. He grew up in Traer and graduated from Traer-Clutier High School in 1962. He then attended Parsons College and Luther College before returning to Traer to work at the Ford dealership with his dad. He later worked for Family Federal Savings and Loan in Traer, the Tama County Assessor’s office and for over 20 years at Crossroads Ford in Waterloo.

In his younger years, he loved playing golf and watching his sons’ activities. He enjoyed his regular walks, trips to the gym and conversations with his neighbors. He was an avid sports fan, whether it was watching the Chicago Cubs, an NFL game or his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a lifelong Hawkeyes fan and attended football games from his youth through his 60s, holding season football tickets for about 30 years. He also enjoyed sharing his strongly held opinions with you regardless of whether you asked. He will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley Blase, sister Sandra Dierks, and brother-in-law Sam Blase. He is survived by sons: Dennis, of Traer, Tyler (Maryann), of Bend, Oregon, and Tracy (Jennifer), of Daphne, Alabama, grandchildren: Kalan, Grace, Paige, Scott, Parker and Conner, brother-in-law Gary Dierks and nephews Dan Dierks and Dave Dierks.

A private family service will be held at a later date. He was cremated, and his remains will be interred at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo. His family would like to thank the team at Cedar Valley Hospice for their care in his final days.