Dean Willwerth, 89, of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021, due to leukemia and pneumonia.

Dean Richard Willwerth was born in Aurora Illinois, on July 15, 1931. He was married to Lillian LaVonne Fluckiger on May 26, 1952 in Monticello, Iowa, and they had three children.

He was a veteran of the US Army, serving as an Aviation Officer in Korea and commander of the Armored Battalion at Fort Knox.

He also served with the 503rd Aviation Battalion in Germany and with the NATO Allied Forces at Brunson, Netherlands in 1976-1977. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal and Army commendation Medal Master Army Aviator. He retired from the Army in St. Louis, Missouri as a lieutenant colonel in 1980.

They moved to Connecticut to work in management at Lycoming Textron for 10 years. In 1990, Dean and Lillian moved to Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas to enjoy their retirement.

Dean is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lillian; and his children, Dan Dean, Lynn Ann and De'Ann Willwerth.

Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, has taken Dean and his family into their care.  Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello, Iowa.