Dean Allen Gradert, age 77 of Camanche, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021 at MercyOne in Clinton. According to his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. There will be no visitation and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Dean was born in Clinton, IA on October 31, 1944, the son of William and Florence (Behrens) Gradert. He graduated from Northeast High School and joined the U.S. Army National Guard. Dean drove truck for most of his life. He was a member of the Moose, enjoyed classic cars, driving truck, skiing in Colorado, and especially enjoyed spending time with his coffee buddies every morning.
Dean is survived by his siblings, Lucille Meyer of Goose Lake, Jean (Gary) Petersen of Goose Lake, and Glen (Cary) Gradert of DeWitt; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Earle and Willis Gradert; and two nephews Jimmy Gradert and Brock Burken.
I had no idea dean I rember u as i grew up riding on the dog house of that old kenworth with my dad shot gun now u my dad his brother Dana and grandpa can set drink coffee and relive old times
Our sympathy to the family. Howard knew Dean through truck driving since the 60s. The last several years he met Dean for breakfast and lunch at Harlan’s and the Machine Shed. They enjoyed reminiscing about the “good ole days” of trucking and farming with Massey Harris tractors. He will be missed.
My heart goes out to Dean’s family. Dean was one of the good guys. He was a life long friend of my mom and dad, Dave & Kathy Schroeder, and my grandparents, Lee & Earlene Schroeder, and my brothers and me. He always had a smile on his face and made time for you whenever you ran into him. He and my mom always exchanged funny birthday cards every year. He will be deeply missed. I imagine he and my dad are riding around in their classic cars and their big rigs up there in Heaven! They have a lot of catching up to do! RIP Dean!
dean was our neighbor 25 years, we had a joke between us, he would water his yard next to my rubard plant and i would make a pie for him, he loved rubard pie.i will miss seeing him around.Harold and Pat mcclure
I met Dean many years ago when my mom and I worked at Circle G. Even to this day I would give him a hard time if we seen him. I will miss our banter. God must have needed a truck driver and a genuine nice happy guy in heaven. I will miss seeing him and our banter. Dean, you will be missed. Mom, Marie Harding, take over for me and tease Dean for me!
To Deans family.
Of all the people I’ve met in the 47yrs of driving, Dean was one of my favorites. When I started he always treated me like one of the guys.
Before cell phones we would run into each other and it was always the same. He would be in a great mood a smile and fun to be with. His family will never know the amount of friends he’s made all across the country.
He will be missed. Jeff Gowey
We were Dean’s neighbors for over 30 years. We will miss him. RIP Dean
Rick and Pam Hoge