Dean L. Halverson

1938 - 2025

Dean L. Halverson

May 25, 1938 - October 18, 2025

ELDRIDGE, IOWA - Dean L. Halverson, 87, longtime Bettendorf and Dubuque educator, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis Davenport Medical Center.

Dean Lowell Halverson was born May 25, 1938, in Webster City, Iowa, the son of Jay and Bertha (Lowell) Halverson. After graduating from Webster City High School, he embarked on a lifelong educational journey, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1960, a master's degree in molecular biology from Purdue University in 1966, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa in 1979.

Dean married the love of his life, Carol Brimeyer, in Dubuque, Iowa, and together they shared a life of love, laughter, treasured memories, and partnership.

A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Dean dedicated more than 50 years to education. His career began as a secondary science and math teacher in Marshalltown, Webster City, and Mesa, Ariz. He later joined the Dubuque Community School District, where he served as a science coordinator, curriculum coordinator, and elementary principal at Bryant and Kennedy Elementary Schools. In 1991, Dean, Carol, and their son Brock moved to Bettendorf, where he continued his leadership as principal at Paul Norton Elementary School until 2001.

Following his career in public education, Dean became a Professor of Educational Leadership at Western Illinois University, where he shaped the next generation of school administrators. During his tenure, he taught graduate and doctoral courses, chaired dissertations, coordinated the doctoral program, and delivered over 50 presentations at state and national conferences. He published over 20 journal articles, served as President of the Illinois Council of Professors of Educational Administration, and directed the Alternative Superintendent Certification Program in Illinois.

Dean was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement, a reflection of his lasting contributions to Western Illinois University and the field of educational leadership. His passion for instructional leadership and his belief in the power of education influenced countless students, colleagues, and future school leaders. After retiring from Western Illinois University, Dean continued his educational impact by working with the Center for the Study of Educational Policy at Illinois State University before officially retiring in 2020.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dean's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took immense delight in supporting, attending, and celebrating his grandchildren's achievements and activities, from band concerts and sporting events to church programs and birthday celebrations. Dean and Carol shared many adventures together, including a memorable family trip to Hawaii this past July with their son, Brock and his family, where he cherished the peace and beauty of the islands, surrounded by those he loved.

Dean was a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs fan, loved working in his garden, loved to talk and could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Dean welcomed others with warmth and embraced learning at every stage of life.

Dean is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Halverson; two sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Bobbie Halverson of Tarpon Springs, Fla., and Brock and Megan Halverson of Bettendorf; four grandchildren, Dustin Halverson, Preston (Katie) Halverson, Graham Halverson, and Emme Halverson; his great-granddaughter, Ava Rose; and two nephews and a niece, Jay (Sonya) Halverson, John (Paula) Halverson, and Wendi (Bob) Cooksey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Todd, Trent, and Reid Halverson; and his brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Karen Halverson.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 28, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline. Dean's visitation will be held on Monday, October 27th, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial is in Saint Ann Cemetery, Long Grove, Iowa. In honor of Dean's lifelong dedication to education, memorials may be made to the Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation, where the family hopes to establish a scholarship in his name for Bettendorf students.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.