Born on August 26, 1923, to Vance and Georgie Jessie Rodgers in Indianola, he attended country school in Warren County and graduated from the Milo High School. He married Marjorie Hirsch on November 23, 1947 and their married life began in Phoenix, AZ where they lived for three years before returning to Iowa. Dean was a retired stock and grain farmer who really loved the land and his yard. He served 15 years on the MW Farm Service board and was a 50 years member of the Warren County Farm Bureau; a member of the Warren County Historical Society and Center Chapel United Methodist Church. Upon retirement he and his wife spent 17 years wintering in Arizona.

He is survived by wife of 61 years, Marjorie; children, Craig Alan (Theresa) Rodgers of Indianola; daughter, Leisa Ladeen (Bennett) Ely of West Des Moines; grandson, Taylor Dean Ely of West Des Moines; three step grandchildren, Morgan Umsted of Urbandale, Allison (Bryan) Holloway of Johnston and Aaron (Ashley Hoch) Umsted of Polk City; one step great grandson, Mayson Alan Umsted; and sisters, Helen McElwee of Milo, Hilda Perry and Louise Walker of Indianola.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leo; and grandson, Bryant Knapp Ely who will all be welcoming him home.

Visitation will be held 2 – 5 p.m., Sunday, May 10 at Overton Funeral Home where family will be present. Memorials may be given in Dean's name to the Center Chapel United Methodist Church, Warren County Historical Society or Warren County Fair. Online condolences may be sent at www.overtonfunerals.com.