Dean C. Ganschow

1927 - 2025

Dean C. Ganschow
Born: October 22, 1927 in Walnut, IL
Died: July 15, 2025 in Walnut, IL

Dean Carter Ganschow was born to Gerald L. and Lela Mae (Carter) Ganschow on October 22, 1927 on their farm home outside of Walnut, IL. On his birth certificate his name was Dene, but at some later time the spelling was changed to Dean.
He was a member of the Fourth Street Christian Church (now known as the First Christian Church) in Walnut since November 19, 1940 when he accepted the call of Jesus, but he actually had been a life-long attendee, being carried into that church in his mother's womb. Because of following that call in 1940, on July 15, 2025 he is now in Glory. Over the years he saw many changes in his church.
He attended District #32 Chapman School for all 8 grades-a one-room school on the south side of the Ganschow farm. He then attended and graduated from Walnut High School in 1945 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving 2 years in the Pacific.
1948 was a big year in his life. On March 7th of that year, he married Delores Willavize, in his words, "the best girl in the whole world," and together they started their farm journey.
In December of 1948, taking advantage of President Roosevelt's GI Bill, he enrolled in the University of Illinois and graduated from there on February 11, 1951 with a degree in agriculture.
March 1, 1951 he started the career he loved: farming. He always said, "If you do what you love, it isn't work."
Dean was also involved in conservation for several years and was the 1st farmer in Bureau County to plant beans in corn stubble and the 2nd in the county to plant corn in bean stubble.
He saw many changes in the farming industry over his many years and the seed, chemicals, equipment and time management of today never ceased to amaze him and he was pleased to see the present day adoption of soil saving methods.
He is survived by his children, Rick (Cindy) Ganschow, Jeanne (Ron) Wilt and Barbara (David) Bailey; a daughter-in-law, Debra Ganschow; 10 grandchildren: Dean Scott (Meghan) Ganschow, Shannon (Jaime) Ganschow, Craig (Jennifer) Wilt, Randall (Heather) Wilt, Eric (Kelly) Wilt, Andrea (Jason) Pruett, Jennifer (Duane) Zovitowski, Jacqueline (Tyler) Nichols, Michael (Lindsey) Ganschow, Angie Roberts; 22 great grandchildren: Addison, Lena, Elsah, Hazel, Sean, Annelise, Catherine, Matthew, Madison, Clark, Shelby, Tenley, Lexy, Cooper, Carter, Ellie, Levi, Brooklynn, Tucker, Hunter, Lillian and Evelynn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Delores; his brother, Lee; his sister, Lois; a son, James; a granddaughter, Kristen and a great-grandson, Bryant.
Dean filled his 97 plus years to the brim with family, friends, and community hardly ever missing a funeral or birthday party-he had a life well-lived and he was well-loved.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 9:30 – 11 AM at the First Christian Church in Walnut. The funeral will follow at 11:00 with Reverend Brian Wilson and Reverend Eldon Cook co-officiating. Burial will be at Walnut cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the Walnut Fire Department and the Walnut Historical Society.
Online condolences may be sent to www.garlandfuneralhomes.com.