Dean Whitcher

Dean Leslie Whitcher, 66, of West Union, Iowa, died Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at his home in West Union, Iowa. 

Dean was born April 9, 1950 in West Union, Iowa, to Ralph and Lois (Love) Whitcher. 

He graduated from North High in 1968, where he competed in all the sports. Dean then attended Ellsworth Junior College and Northeast Missouri State as an Art Major, where he also participated in football and track.

After a three-year tour of the West Coast, he returned to the local area where he briefly worked in construction before settling in at the West Union Cemetery as an assistant caretaker and eventually sexton.

Dean was a kind soul, who enjoyed his dogs and a good time.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lois Whitcher; and one brother, Bruce, in 2010.

Dean is survived by his brothers, Wendell (Marcia) of West Union and Merle (Kris) of Waverly; sister, Dr. Nancy (Dan Foe) Heilmann of Seattle, Washington; one son, Michael (Laura) Haun of Oelwein; and two grandchildren, Payton and Michael of Oelwein.

There will be a private family service at a later date.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa, is helping the family with arrangements.     10u10