"Our condolences go out to Erma and family. What a guy!! He will be missed. Jim and Jo Ann Christopher"
In loving memory of
Dean Leroy Flummerfelt
January 21, 1926 - April 23, 2020
Dean Leroy Flummerfelt, 94, died peacefully at his home in Ames, Iowa on April 23, 2020.
Dean was born on January 21, 1926, in Hugoton, Kansas to Lucille Beal. He graduated from Hugoton High School, shortly after joining the United States Marines in 1943. He went on to serve his country in WWII, from 1944 to 1946, as a Private in the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion stationed in Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in July 1946.
After his military service, Dean started working as a welder's foreman for Northern Natural, and by 1954 he branched out as an independent welding contractor. His work took him across the country to Minnesota, Nebraska, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, and Iowa. For more than 30 years, his work involved welding on high-pressure cross-country lines, which required him to pass an extensive welding test on each new job. In all those years, Dean never failed a single test - an impressive record, which reflects the pride he took in his work and overall commitment to excellence.
Dean married the love of his life, Erma, in January 1953. They raised two children, Elizabeth and Michael, and eventually settled their family in Ames, Iowa.
Dean approached each day with a fearless vigor, and consequently lived a full and industrious life, filled with service, entrepreneurship, and passion. After moving to Ames, Dean purchased property and established Meadow Lane Mobile Home Park. In the mid-70's, Dean established Flummerfelt Welding and Excavating, and performed a multitude of custom welding and excavation jobs in the Ames area. He remained involved in the Pipe Liners Local Union 798, became an involved member of the Iowa Manufacturing Housing Association, and was also a member of the First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing cards, dancing, gambling, and golfing. For several years, he was a member of Ames Golf and Country Club and Ballard Golf and Country Club and golfed in several golf leagues around central Iowa.
For over 50 years, he served as a dedicated Master Mason, actively participating in and contributing to the efforts and missions of the Masonic Lodge, Grand Lodge of Iowa, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of Amaranth, Knights Templar, York Rite and Scottish Rite Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction, and the Loyal Order of Moose . He also served as a member of the Shriners International, believing fully in the brotherhood's mission of providing care for children and families in need, and their desire to "have fun, do good and build relationships that can last a lifetime."
It's undeniable that Dean had fun, he did good, and now leaves behind a lasting legacy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille, brothers, Andy and Don Anderson, and daughter, Elizabeth. He will be lovingly remembered by Erma, his beloved wife of 67 years, his son, Michael (Diane) Flummerfelt, of Ames, Iowa, and brother, Marvin Anderson, of Princeton, Indiana. He was a loving grandfather of five grandchildren, Kristina (Jason) Schaben, Chelsea (Ben) Klassen, Taylor Flummerfelt, Matthew Flummerfelt, Jacob Flummerfelt, and great-grandfather of four, Dylan, Samantha, Maxwell, and Emmett.
A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2020, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. When travel and gathering restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted, the family will host a celebration of life ceremony in Ames, Iowa. In the meantime, donations, in lieu of flowers, may be sent in honor of Dean to Shriners Hospitals for Children. You can make donations online at donate.lovetotherescue.org, or by mailing to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"I have nothing but good memories of Dean. He had a wonderful life."
"James and I are so sorry for your loss. Dean will make sure everything is ship shape in heaven. "
"Dean was a very kind and special man. He always spoke highly of my "in-laws", Art and Theone Risse and became a special "grandpa" to our kids, Heather and Ryan after Mom and Dad passed away so unexpectedly in 1982!! We will miss him but know he is catching up on things in Heaven with many, many friends that have gone before him!! Prayers to the family and look forward to his "celebration of life" here in Ames when the time is right !! "
"Dear Erma, Mike & Diane and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of the summers working at Meadow Lane when I was in college and I'm so grateful that I got to know Dean. He always had a story that could make me laugh and I learned some valuable lessons from him. The first time I met him he looked at me and said,"So you're one of Mike's boys? You play football for him? You know he pushes you because he believes in you and he knows you can do the things he asks you to do." Visiting with Dean was something I looked forward to those summers and looking back he was teaching me some important lessons about life. "Respect others", "Take pride in your work", "Pay attention to the details" and "You have to be able to laugh!" Yes Dean, I will always remember to "check the oil in the mower". His memory will always put a smile on my face! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Jeff Johnson"
"Erma, Mike and families. Dean will be missed by many. He always had stories to tell and greeted you with a bear hug. Thinking of you all. "
"RIP my Friend, I always enjoyed our visits both on and off the golf course. Thoughts and prayers to the family, you will be missed!"
"I really enjoyed Dean at the Ballard Country Club playing golf with him. He was always a friendly person. Sorry for your loss. Semper Fi, Nels Nord"
"Dear Erma and Mike. Just to let you know that you will be in my prayers. May God give you comfort and strength at this time. My sympathy to you all."
"To Erma, Mike and Family; I am so sorry for your loss. Dean was a good man. He will be missed. I enjoyed some good conversations with him in days gone by. My very best regards; Keith Bailey"
"Dean and my dad were very good friends - I liked Dean as much as anyone in my family - He was good to me and that is what I go by in my world - He shot straight across the board and was as strong as was needed in standing up against me and for me all at the same time - I will take that to the bank - He wasn't very tall but he was a tough son of a gun - I heard stories about dad and Dean - I am guessing they were true - The last time I saw Dean was at Aunt Margaret's funeral in July of 2017 - I was having some serious difficulties back then and Dean took me aside and made me promise to make a change concerning this matter - He will never know how much I appreciate him standing up and against me while being as for me as a man can be - His words are ringing more true as time goes on - Truth and experience was his strong suit - And he had a lot of both - I wish I would have been able to be a little better of a friend to Dean - But that is not to be taken personal - Heck - That is the way it has been in my life for over 20 years now - But of the people I care about - Dean rated as high as anyone on that chart - Because he let me be me and without judgement - Cause he knew and he understood me at depth - Thank you Dean - God Bless Dean Flummerfelt - And God Bless all of his family and friends - May he rest in peace - Tommy "
"Mike, Dianne and Family Plese at this time, know that Mirna and MY thoughts and Prayers are with you. We are fine,but are staying inside during these tough times. We will make contribution in Deans Name to the local Moose Lodge here in Virginia Beach. Please besake and May God Be With You Larry L and Mirna McHone"