Dean Dickerson

Dean R. Dickerson, eldest son of Carl G. and Lois I. (Gruber) Dickerson, formerly of Shenandoah, was born June 21, 1940, in Shenandoah, Iowa. He entered into peace on November 14, 2009, at his home in Anita, Iowa, following a lingering bout with cancer, at the age of 69 years, 4 months and 14 days.

Dean joined the Iowa National Guard, Company "E" in 1955 and following high school graduation in 1958, enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

On October 19, 1958, he was united in marriage at The First Baptist Church to Sherry Elaine Bertram, also of Shenandoah. This union was blessed with three daughters, Tracy Lynn, Angela Marie, and Shelby Diane.

Dean was a Vietnam Veteran. During his twenty year career he served on numerous ship and shore commands, including the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington D.C., and retired in 1977 as Senior Enlisted Advisor, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Following retirement from the Navy, Dean taught Social Studies and Special Education at C&M and Anita schools. Prior to his second retirement, he was employed by Iowa Western Community College as the founder and Coordinator of the Cass County Independent Learning Center in Atlantic, Iowa. He was also an adjunct instructor in Western Civilization at IWCC.

Dean was devoted to enriching his knowledge of History and particularly fond of Native American history and traditions. Dean authored a book, "Harry" that many have enjoyed. He spent several years compiling a family history and put together a record of military service dating from his father, Carl in WWII, to brothers who served in the Navy and Air Force. He was a skilled Flint Knapper and created authentic Indian points and arrowheads. He was also keenly interested in wood carving and crafted several canes and walking sticks.


One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren; whether that involved playing golf and fishing with his older grandsons, having a tea party with his only granddaughter or giving special attention to the younger boys. He also made a great Santa for his grandchildren. Always the teacher, he strived to pass his knowledge on to those he loved most.

Those left to honor Dean's memory include his wife, Sherry, of over 51 years, three daughters and six grandchildren: Tracy Dickerson of Ankeny, Iowa; Angela (Jeff) Smart and their children, Zaine, Hayden, Joseph and Vince of Highland, Illinois; Shelby (Tony) Hildreth and their children, Jacob and Josie of Ogden, Iowa.

Surviving siblings include: Mary (Norm) Chipperfield of Townsend, Tennessee; Paul (Gerry) Dickerson of West Liberty, Iowa; Allen (Amy) Dickerson of Jacksonville, Florida; Bill (Teri) Dickerson of Essex, Iowa; Becky (Jim) Duke and Teresa (Paul) Voth of Independence, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Shirley Kerkmann, Lynda Dickerson and Elaine Dickerson.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carol Ann, and brothers, David Charles and Jack Gordon.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hockenberry Family Care Funeral Home in Anita, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Burial of cremated remains will be in the Rosehill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to the Cass County Outdoor Classroom, in care of The First National Bank, 101 Main Street, Massena, Iowa.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.