William Dean Ahnen

On August 12, 2023, when he was ready and everyone was in their place, William Dean Ahnen left this world and went to the next. While here, Dean lived enthusiastically, robustly and ultimately with courage and grace.
Born April 30,1938, Dean grew up in Adair County and attended Richland Consolidated School. He loved playing baseball and was a catcher respected by both high school and semi-pro baseball teams. He attended Iowa State Teachers (UNI) and Simpson Colleges as a student athlete before marrying the love of his life, Mardell (Marckmann) Ahnen and starting their family.
Dean's career began with Frye Copy Systems in Des Moines, moving from Indianola to Temperance, Michigan and Sylvania, Ohio gaining lifelong friends along the way. After returning to rural Adair County to help run the family farm when his father was ill, Dean returned to sales in 1970 and a final move to Norwalk where he resided the rest of his life. He loved the Norwalk community, coaching little league, serving on many boards, commissions, clubs, on the Norwalk City Council (1988 to 1995), and working for the Norwalk Community Schools. In retirement he enjoyed working in his shop on woodworking projects benefiting his church and local community.
Dean's final weeks were as he lived, focused on his family, enjoying baseball, dedicated to his faith and his belief that all people are created equal and we should all behave that way. Dean's wife of 65 years, son William Mark and Kyongsu (Su) Ahnen, daughter Robin Ahnen-Cacciatore and John Cacciatore, and grandchildren Lace LaCoursiere and William Lincoln Ahnen, siblings and extended family will miss his generosity, dignity, wry grin, humor, and immense love. Preceding him in death were his daughter, Christine Marie Ahnen, and his parents, William H. Ahnen and Velma (Brezo) Ahnen.
To celebrate Dean's well-lived life, a visitation will be held on Friday, September 8th from 5 to 7 pm at Iles Funeral Chapel (1020 Main Street) in Norwalk, followed by a memorial service on Saturday, September 9th at 11 am at St. John's Lutheran Church (600 6th Ave.) in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, please give to an organization of your choice that makes the world or community a better place. For online condolences please visit www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Norwalk Chapel.
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