Dean C. Mechem

Dean C. Mechem, 83, passed away peacefully at Hospice of North Iowa Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

Upon his wishes, his body was donated for scientific purposes and cremation will follow.

Internment to be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson at a later date.

Dean was born May 22nd, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois; the son of Clark and Lela (VanWert) Mechem. Dean grew up in Thompson, Iowa, where he was a young entrepreneur by creating Thompson’s first garbage route.

Dean married Elsie (Nesset) of Thompson, Iowa in September of 1975. They farmed north of Thompson which Dean always had a true passion for. He loved radioing in to Elsie, endearingly calling her Pink Lady with his nick name of Red Dog. He loved to be out on his Farmall tractor, but more importantly, he loved fixing it, and all other items that needed a touch of Dean. After retiring from farming, Elsie and Dean delivered Winnebago Motorhomes across the country where they got to exercise their love of travel.

They found a home in Sun City, Arizona where they spent their winters. Dean would help Elsie with providing meals for the Lakeview United Methodist Church by being the official taste tester. He would also enjoy aqua jogging, playing pool with his grandkids, and taking all visitors to play mini golf where he would always win.

Dean was a family man and enjoyed sharing life with them.

He is survived by daughters, Kathy (Johnny) of Thompson; Patti (Steve) of Forest City; grandchildren, James (Andrea) Randall (Sarah), William, and Emma; great-grandchildren, Ally, Owen, and Evelyn.

Dean is preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Mechem; son, Erick Hanson; parents, Clark and Lela Mechem; son-in-law, Greg Remington.