Memorial

Dean Arthur Beer, 88, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dean lived a life centered around family, friends, hard work and laughter. He was known for his optimism and sense of humor, bringing joy to everyone around him. A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 11, from 12:00 -2:00 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with a memorial service immediately following at 2:00 PM at the church.  Private Inurnment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Dean was born in the family home in Keosauqua, Iowa on December 29, 1937, to Keith and Kathryn Beer. After graduating from Perry High School, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Iowa, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He proudly served his country as an Army Captain. He went on to build a successful career as a mortgage lender and entrepreneur, owning Jiffy Lube and the Battle Creek Inn. He treated his employees with kindness and respect, earning the admiration of those who worked alongside him.

On April 23, 1960, Dean married Gale Louise Chandler. Together they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family and creating countless cherished memories with his family and friends.

Family was Dean’s greatest joy. He loved attending his children’s activities, spending time around the card table with family and planning the family’s annual vacations to Lake Kabekona in Minnesota. Always the competitor, Dean taught his children and grandchildren how to lose to him gracefully. 

Dean had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and tending to all his birdfeeders. He also had a passion for classic sports cars, especially his Triumph and GTO. Among Dean’s favorite things were his dogs Heidi and Kali and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He treasured his friendships, meeting every Friday for breakfast and stories with his “Liars Club” and was a proud member of the Ex-Club, Ducks Unlimited and the Jaycees Club, where he gained lifelong friendships. Dean was also a longtime active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Dean is survived by his wife, Gale Beer of Cedar Rapids, IA; his children, Mike (Karen) Beer of West Des Moines, IA; Amy (Brett) Cassabaum of Cedar Rapids, IA; Andy (Tiffany) Beer of Omaha, NE; and Missy (Brad) Dennis of Cedar Rapids, IA; his grandchildren, Ryan (Kelsey) Beer, Alyssa (Dave) Smith, Megan (Mitch) Beckert, Sara (Trevor) Pollock, Courtney (Phil) Gammel, Nicole Beer, Matthew Cassabaum, Tyler Dennis and Elizabeth Dennis (Josh White) as well as nine great-grandchildren, his sister Bonnie Seyranian and his brother-in-law Dick (Joan) Chandler.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Kathryn Beer, and his grandson, Christian Beer.

Dean will be remembered for the love he had for his family, the friendships he cherished, the laughter he shared, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial donations in honor of Dean’s memory may be made to Essence of Life Hospice (www.essencehospice.com/donate) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).