Dean Raymond Andersen, age 89, of Missouri Valley, passed away March 2, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Omaha, Neb.
Dean was born April 29, 1936, in Exira, to George and Adeline (Bills) Andersen.
Dean graduated from Exira High School in 1954. He held a few jobs while going to school. On June 2nd, 1954, he joined the Air Force. He was a Jet Mechanic Instructor. The military was transitioning from Prop Top (propeller driven) to jets at that time. He was discharged from the Air Force on December 2, 1957, as an Airman 1st Class. He was very proud to have served in the Military and to be called a Veteran.
After the Air Force Dean returned to Exira, and worked a number of jobs. Some of the jobs were: Sidel Company, Atlantic, Exira Bowl, Affinity Oil in Exira (pumping gas and hauling propane. He also worked at his dad’s store Western Auto in Exira.
On June 28, 1963, he married Jan Drees. They had two children, Dina and Kirk. They moved to Missouri Valley in 1969.
Dean worked for Lyle Bryan at the Sod Company for 13 ½ years. He also drove semi-trucks for Morton Trucking over the road. Worked for the Coastal Yacht in Blair, Neb. and worked for Great Plains in Missouri Valley. Dean also worked construction for himself and helped construction crews with Ernie Thompson and others.
On Jan. 28, 1985, Dean married Michele (Mike) Oujiri. With this marriage Dean added 5 more children Deb, Steve, Lori, Becky and Rod to his family. Mike was diagnosed with cancer. Dean took great care of her till she passed on July 5, 1986.
Dean began working for Rich Hurley on Jan. 8, 1986. He has remained with the Funeral home for a number of changes. He was a huge help since he knew so many people around Missouri Valley. He knew cemetery’s and where people were laid to rest and gave great respect and care to all that he handled. Dean worked until May of 2025 at the Funeral Home until his health wouldn’t let him do it anymore. Dean said he never had a job that he didn’t want to get up and go to.
On Nov. 28, 1986, Dean married his longtime friend Dorothy (Harris) Smallwood. This marriage added four more children to Dean’s family. Bring them to 11 children all together. Dean and Dorothy enjoyed their time with friends they met through the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The Eagles stand for People Helping People and this is how Dean lived his life. He held the Secretary position at the FOE 3876 for 30 plus years. He loved to cook and do everything at the club. He was also President of the #3876 and held a number of offices within the Eagles across Iowa. He was Iowa State President in 2002-2003. In his year as Iowa President, he was proud to have visited all the Aerie clubs within Iowa except two.
Dean is preceded in death by both Grandparents, Agnes and Elam Bills, Jacot and Anna Andersen. Parents George and Adeline (Bills) Andersen. Brother Dick Andersen, Wives Michele (Mike) Andersen and Dorothy Andersen. Son Monte Smallwood, and son-in-law Thomas Kiminski.
He is survived by his sister Rosie (Milton) Clark, his children: Dina (Jeff Speicher) Andersen, Kirk (Susan) Andersen, Deb (Tim) Dever, Lori Oujiri, Steve (Dee) Oujiri, Rod (Crystal) Miller, Becky (Jesse) Gearhart, Chuck (Ravae) Smallwood, Michelle Gibson, Darla Kiminski. 19 grandkids, seven great-grandkids and one great-great-grandkid.
Services were conducted March 7, 2026, at Hennessey Funeral Home, in Missouri Valley.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home, Missouri Valley.
