Where do we start with celebrating the life of a man whose life would be better described in a book or a movie rather than a few brief words? It's a simple answer: family, dogs, and pie.

After a long fight with Alzheimer's, Francis "Dean" Sanders passed away peacefully on October 27th, 2022 at the age of 85, surrounded by his loving family.

Dean was born in Manito, Illinois on March 15th, 1937 as the sixth of seven children of Eddie and Helen Sanders. He was raised in Pekin, Illinois until he graduated from Pekin Community High School in 1955. He attended Illinois State University in 1955-1956, and was then employed by Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Peoria for a short time in 1957.

On July 5th, 1958, he married Suzanne Pinter of South Beloit, Illinois, to whom he was wed for 64 years. Dean and Sue met at a stoplight in Rockford, Illinois, and they continued meeting at stoplights until they arrived at a Rootbeer stand in Beloit. The rest is history.

Immediately following their wedding, Dean and Sue moved to St. Louis, Missouri. There, he was employed by McDonnell AirCraft from 1958 until 1960. He served in the United States Army from 1960 until 1962. He worked for Sundstrand Hydrostatics, now known as Danfoss, from July 2nd, 1962 until he retired on May 29th, 2002.

Dean was very proud of his three daughters, Pamella, Tracy, and Peggy. He loved them fiercely and was a huge part of their lives throughout the years.

Dean enjoyed traveling the world, including some memorable trips to Japan, Germany, England, Hawaii, Alaska, and many states within the U.S.

Like most dog lovers, you could safely assume Dean's Saint Bernard, Hildegard, was his favorite child, and Diggins, his sheepdog, was a close second.

Dean lived for Iowa State basketball and football games, and he spent many years attending the Final Four and Regional basketball games. No matter the final score, he was always the first one to the parking lot when the final buzzer rang.

Family gatherings, specifically for Thanksgiving, were always the highlight of his year, especially if there was pie.

If he wasn't twirling his grandkids around on the tree swing or watching Gun Smoke, there was a good chance you'd catch him outside doing yard work on any given day.

In more recent years, he enjoyed socializing with the Village Coop Men's coffee group, laughing with his great-grandchildren, and eating coconut cream pie.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents Eddie and Helen Sanders, and his siblings Donald Sanders, Bill Sanders, Wayne Sanders, Robert Sanders, and Ann Emmons. He is survived by his wife Suzanne J. (Pinter) Sanders; three daughters: Pamella (Dan) Lee of Polk City, IA, Tracy (Ken) Welty of Camdenton, MO, Peggy (Keith) Fevold of Johnston, IA; five grandchildren: Morgan Welty, Elizabeth (Nico) Cline, Samuel (Britney) Lee, Nathan Welty (Tom Bakke), and Taylor Fevold; and three great-grandchildren: AnnDre'a Cline, Lydia Cline, and Baby Henry Lee who will be arriving in February 2023. He is also survived by his sister Donna Butner, sister-in-law Mary Ann Sanders, and sister-in-law Brenda Sanders.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a Visitation from one o'clock until three o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, November 5th at The Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be given in Dean's name to Heartland Senior Care Center Adult Daycare of Story County and Israel Hospice House in Ames, Iowa.

Dean's family would also like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of HomeInstead.

In remembrance of Dean, please take time for a family vacation, go for a walk with your dog, cheer for Iowa State, or just eat a slice of pie.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com