Dean Loris Pettit

Dean Pettit of Fairfield Iowa passed away on October 25, 2019.

Visitation is 4:00 - 7:00 PM, October 28 at the Behner Funeral Home, funeral service is 11:00 AM October 29 at the First United Methodist Church in Fairfield with Reverend Beth Harbaugh and Pastor Bill Shewmaker officiating.  Burial at Fellows Cemetery in Keosauqua.

Dean was born on December 11, 1929 in Mt. Sterling, Iowa to Craig and Dorothy Pettit.  He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 64 years, Bernita; his sister, Helen Rogers of Mt Pleasant, Iowa; his children Marcia (John) Seddon of Cincinnati, Iowa; Glen (Patti Laughlin) Pettit of McPherson, Kansas; Gordon (Becca Roehrich) Pettit of Macomb, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Sami (George) Budiselich, Chloie (David) Lewis, Katie Seddon, Eric Pettit, Justin Pettit, Drew Pettit, Zach Pettit, Aly Pettit; and two great-grandchildren, Calvin Smith and Calliope Lewis. He is preceded in death by his parents and four brothers in law, Rudy Rogers, and Wayne, Weldon, and Eddie Jones.

Dean worked as a soil conservationist for the SCS for 40 years, surveyed for Pathfinders RC&D and French-Reneker-Associates after retiring from the SCS. He served in the Army during the Korean War and then Air Force Reserves.  He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Fairfield, and the Lions Club, being voted Lion of the Year in 1974-75.  He took up running in 1980, and within a year completed a 50 mile ultra-marathon.  He enjoyed spending time outside gardening, tending trees, and taking walks. When he had to be stuck inside, he enjoyed completing jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, and playing Spider Solitaire.

He loved and treasured his family most of all, often taking his children and grandchildren to experience new things. He kept his family up to date on activities by writing witty weekly letters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fairfield Lions Club, First United Methodist Church, or the EveryStep Hospice .