Dean Allen Van Riesen passed away as the sun rose on July 6, 2024. Family, song, and prayer surrounded him.
Dean, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, was born in Sheldon, Iowa to Wessel and Margaret VanRiesen. He was the seventh of 9 children and grew up in a family with a love of music especially hymns. He graduated from Sheldon High School, Class of 1968. Dean married the love of his life, Kelly Lenox Van Riesen and they began their 54-year adventure together. Their children meant the world to them. Dean never failed to remind his three daughters to “Remember who you are” and proudly sang Sunrise, Sunset at each of their weddings. Dean was a proud grandfather. He treasured his time with his five grandchildren and loved being their Pop Pop and Nean Dean.
We will always remember Dean for his love of life and ability to connect with others. He made many friends throughout his life and never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course and was often heard shouting, “What a Shot!” We will miss him every day. His memory lives on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Survivors include his wife, Kelly, and daughters Jill (Andrew) Lindberg, Molly (Shaun) LeRoi, and Abbie (Chris) Brown, as well as his grandchildren Mallory Lindberg, Miles Lindberg, Trey Brown, Trent Brown, and Dax LeRoi and many friends and family members in the Sheldon area.
A celebration of life will be held in Sheldon, Iowa, during the summer of 2025.
