Dean Imler, 86, of Jefferson, died December 17, 2018, at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson. Graveside and military rites were held Saturday, Dec.29, at Jefferson Municipal Cemetery, with Pastor Larry Monthei presiding.
Dean LeRoy Imler was born Feb. 25, 1932, in Perry. He was the son of Preston and Grace (Snibley) Imler. Dean graduated from Perry High School in 1951 and immediately entered the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in March of 1955.
On June 5, 1955, Dean was united in marriage to Shirley Wailes at the First Christian Church in Perry. Dean and Shirley began their married life in the Perry area. They became the parents of three children: Dan, Dave, and Kim.
Dean, Shirley, and their family moved and worked in numerous locations throughout the years. Dean worked at Firestone in Nevada and at Durbin feed mill in Bagley. He was a farm hand for Garst Farms in Bayard, and for Duane and Betty Larson near Jamaica. Dean and Shirley owned a café on Main Street in Bayard for several years. Later, Dean worked at the block plant in Grand Junction.
Over the years, Dean worked as a carpenter. Also, Dean liked to do woodworking as a hobby. He built toys and many other special things. He loved to go fishing and hunting. Many years ago, Dean attended the Bayard United Methodist Church, and he belonged to the Bayard American Legion. In 1985, Dean and Shirley moved into Jefferson and from that time on, made Jefferson their home.
He is survived by his sons Dan (Gaye) Imler of Bayard and Dave (Joyce, dec.) Imler of Lake Mills; daughter: Kim (Art) Jacobson of Jefferson; sister, Darlene Lovett of Minnesota; grandchildren Jordan (Jacqueline) Imler, Zachery (Kara) Imler, April (Mike) Gambell, Joshua (Jackie) Imler, Mandy Jacobson, Matt (Abby) Jacobson and Ben Jacobson; great-grandchildren Faith, Hunter, Delaney, Pearl, Kilala, Leo, and Paisley; like a brother, long-time friend Denny Blum; and other relatives and friends.
The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
