Dean Joe Vacura

Dean Joe Vacura, 92, of Jennings, Kansas, passed away on October 18, 2025, at Decatur Health in Oberlin.
Dean was born on November 19, 1932 to Joseph and Clara (Mazanek) Vacura on the family farm west of Jennings. He began his education at District No. 33 Jackson country school, just a mile from home, and later graduated from Jennings Rural High School in 1950. From a young age, Dean worked beside his father on the farm, nurturing a deep love for agriculture and livestock that would shape the rest of his life.
In 1954, Dean volunteered to serve his country in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Ord in California and went on to study welding and metal cutting at the Ordnance Automotive School in Atlanta, Georgia. He was later stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany, where he honed his welding skills and proudly served following the Korean Conflict into peacetime. For his service, Dean received the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). After his honorable discharge in 1956, he returned home to rejoin the family farming and cattle operation with his dad and Uncle Eddie.
On June 10, 1962, Dean married Dorothy Shimmick at the Jennings Methodist Church. Together, they raised three sons and continued to work the family farm where Dean lived his entire life. He truly loved farming and raising animals. Over the years, he raised horses, chickens, pigs, but mostly cattle. In the late 1970s, Dean expanded his cattle operation and began breeding and raising Simmentals, some of which were registered. Over the years, Dean and his family were very active in 4-H, producing and showing grand champion steers and heifers at the Decatur County Fair.
He served his community through various leadership roles, including as a county livestock leader and holding 40-year board positions with Jennings Township and Big Timber Cemetery. He was a member of the Jennings United Methodist Church, the National Farmers Organization (NFO) and a 50-year member of the Oddfellows.
Family was always at the center of Dean's life. He was very involved in his sons' 4-H and school activities and later took immense pride in cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and school functions. After their children had grown and left home, Dean and Dorothy embraced their new chapter as empty nesters by reconnecting through one of their greatest shared passions-country western dancing. Together, they created countless cherished memories on the dance floor, not only with each other but with the many friends they met along the way. Their joy and rhythm became a beloved part of their journey together.
Dean is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy of Jennings, sons Bill (Amy) of Norton, Kansas, Brad (Jody) of Point of Rocks, Maryland, and Blake (Crystal) of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Amanda of Newport, Vermont, Matthew of Norton, Kansas, Brandon of Liberal, Kansas, Jake, Jaden, and Jenae of Frederick, Maryland, Ashley and Zach of Omaha, Nebraska; and great-grandchildren Brionna, Dyllun, Lynzie and Kaitlyn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Clara Vacura, and his sister, Cleta (Vacura) Herren.
Visitation will take place Friday, October 24, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home in Oberlin, with family receiving guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Jennings. Burial will follow the service at Big Timber Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jennings United Methodist Church or Decatur Health. Condolence may be shared at www.plumergobber.com.