Dean Beavers

1936 - 2025

Dean Beavers

July 22, 1936 - December 28, 2025

Dean Allen Beavers, 89, of Kearney, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center. Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Kearney. Pastor Matt Fowler will officiate and burial will be later. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the family, to be designated later. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Service in Kearney is in charge of arrangements.

Dean was born July 22, 1936 in the Elm Creek/Overton, Neb., area to Roy and Virginia (Annable) Beavers. Dean grew up on the family farm in the Elm Creek/Overton area. The farm is where Dean learned the value of a hard day's work. Later in life Dean worked in the oil fields and had a stint selling insurance. Dean returned to Kearney in the 1950s and started his retail career at Claussen's Shoes in Kearney. On July 22, 1956, he was united in marriage to Wilma Olmstead. Shortly after they would welcome two children, Rustin Dean and Tanya Su. In 1962, Dean joined Redman's Shoes and quickly climbed the ranks, and in 1971 Dean became a partner in the company. Dean poured his life into making Redman's what it is today; a customer-centric cornerstone business in downtown Kearney, Nebraska. For 63 years, Dean put his customers first by providing a one-of-a-kind customer service experience! Dean said it best; "Hell, I'm just an old cowboy who ended up selling shoes."

On January 13, 2005 he was united in marriage to Polly Mattheis. Dean and Polly dedicated their lives to Redman's Shoes. They also enjoyed many happy years traveling, gambling, and raising all kinds of exotic animals like llamas, miniature horses, donkeys, and even fainting goats. They thoroughly cherished their home on the 1733 Ranch.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Polly; his sister, Betty Broe; his son, Rustin (Kristy) Beavers; his daughter, Tanya (Randy) Schleiger; his stepson, Brett Mattheis; his grandchildren, Ashlee, Marissa (Jared), Natalya, Deena, Brock; his step-grandchildren, Austin (Krista), Chase, Rider, Tate (Randi), Kyle; his great-grandchildren, Nathan, Sam, Alla, Wyatt, Tanya Tru; and his step-great-grandson, Theodore. As well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Wilma; brothers Orval, Bill, Dick, and Levi Beavers; sisters Opal Brodine and Lois Hahn; brothers-in-law Ivan Brodine, Matt Broe, and Ray Hahn; sister-in-law Verla Beavers; step-daughter Stephanie Mattheis; and dear friend and pillar of Redman's Shoes, Darlene Lewis.

Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl

Kearney, Nebraska