Dean Darwin Bates, born on April 4, 1941, was the beloved son of Darwin Denton and Ebba Lucille (Bergstrom). He passed away on November 2, 2024, at the Griswold Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Griswold, IA, at the age of 83 years.
Dean graduated from Oakland High School in 1958. He attended college at Maryville, MO, for a short time before returning home to help on the family farm. Dean married his high school sweetheart, Joan Sue Alff, on April 9, 1960. They moved to Walnut for several years where they started farming. They then moved to Griswold, and Dean continued to farm and feed cattle. Dean lived at home until recently when he moved to the Griswold Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Dean was a member of the Lewis United Congregational Methodist Church. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks. He enjoyed visiting and socializing.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Don.
Dean is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Joan, of Griswold, IA; his children, Kim Kirchhoff and husband Danny, and Douglas Bates, all residing in Griswold. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Ryan (Erika) Kirchhoff, Mindy (Aric) Bullington, Dillon (Adela Jelacic) Bates, and Devin Bates. Dean was also a proud great-grandfather to Tyrel (Kyra Peters) Kirchhoff, Mateya (Taylor) Baca, R’Nya Kirchhoff, Eastyn Kirchhoff, Kai Bullington, Ace Bullington, Cru Bullington, Benji Hodzic, and Adin Hodzic, and eagerly awaited the arrival of his great-great-grandchild, Baby Baca, in January 2025. He is also survived by his brother Gary (Vickie) Bates, and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis, IA, followed by interment at Whipple Cemetery at 1:00 PM. Visitation with the family will take place at the church on Wednesday from 5:00 PM until 7:30 PM. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family during this time.
