Memorial
Dean Milo Moel passed away on February 5,2025 in Lisbon after many years of living in Solon.
Visitation will be February 13 from 4-7pm and funeral on February 14th at 1:00pm, both held in the Chapel of Memories, Cedar Memorial Park. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on funeral home website under obituary for Dean Moel video tab.
Dean was born to Audrey and George Moel on January 26, 1926, NE of Sutliff, Iowa. Siblings: brother Lyle, sisters Wilma (Billie) and Sharon shared many hardships as the family moved many times while their father found work and even living in a tent for a summer in the woods. The stories growing up with his siblings and friends brought so much laughter of their mischief living in Cedar Bluff and Sutliff areas.
Dean was in 11th grade when he dropped out of school to join the Navy after his brother and cousin joined. Dean’s father had to sign papers to enter the Navy for being only 17 years old and Dean was a ships cook 3/C and gunner on the Gambier Bay.
Dean was a member and Governor on the Board of Directors for the Gambier Bay Association and traveled from the East to West coasts attending Gambier Bay reunions for many years until the 75th anniversary of the greatest battle in history. Dean was happy to have 27 family and friends attend the last ship reunion in San Diego, California.
Dean received many accolades from organizations; speaking to schools, Solon and Sutliff Memorial Day Services, Iowa Public Radio, newspaper articles and attended a Symposium at the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas where he was interviewed and will be in the Bush Room forever.
After returning from the war Dean wanted a high school diploma and returned to Wilson High school where he met the love of his life, Betty Lou Umsted. Dean and Betty were married on June 14, 1947 with a backyard ceremony of Betty’s parents, Ruth and Walter Umsted in Cedar Rapids, Iowa which lasted as a two day wedding.
Dean worked at Wilson Packing Plant and Rinderknecht Construction from 1950 to 1988 until retirement and was always seen doing cement work for someone.
Dean’s greatest passion in life after family times was fishing from the Sutliff Bridge, Lake McBride, Canada and Alaska. He enjoyed having two birthday celebrations yearly and his 99th was the best with immediate family celebrating.
Dean is survived by his children: daughter Linda (Philip) Shimerda of San Antonio, Texas; Jack (Kris) Moel, Lisbon; Patti Schott, Lisbon; Mike (Kathy) Moel, Solon, and Dean’s sister, Wilma (Billie) from California; 3 cousins, 25 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty, son, Gary Moel, sister, Sharon Schilling, and brother, Lyle.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dean’s memory to support great grandson, Isaac Moel for colon cancer research at the Holden Comprehensive Colon Cancer Center, UIHC. Donations may be sent to Jack Moel, 1301 White Oak, NE, Lisbon, Iowa 52253.
A very special thank you to the staff, nurses and friends the last three years at the Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon.