Dean Lorraine Jewett, age 99, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at The Rose Assisted Living Center, Dubuque, IA.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardville, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. with burial and full military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corp to follow in the church cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. Dubuque is assisting the family.

Dean was born May 18, 1927, to Howard and Mary (Morris) Jewett in Westgate, IA. Dean served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1948, spending his time in the South Pacific aboard a LST 847.  Dean and Eileen were married February 23, 1952. They celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary this year.

Dean worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for 30 years, retiring in 1981. Wherever Dean lived, he always had a workshop and spent most of each day making things of wood, fixing things, and just “putzing and organizing”. When each of his grandchildren got married, they received a gift that their Grandpa had made especially for them. These items were always treasured and are his legacy. In addition to woodworking, he also loved fishing and hunting. For many years Dean and Eileen enjoyed spending winters in Port Aransas, TX. They treasured the memories of those years.

Dean is survived by his three daughters: Diane Braunreiter of Crandon, WI, Deborah (Dennis) Roling of Hazel Green, WI, and Dena (Bill) Grutz of Platteville, WI; 9 grandchildren: Missy (Nick) Keen, Angela Abitz, Justin (Anna) Roling, Jake (Tiffany) Roling, Charles (Alisha) Braunreiter, Carrie (Brian) Shimkus, Jeffrey (Stefanie) Braunreiter, Jesse (Kelli) Grutz, and Joy (Lucas) Swan. He is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren: Brandon, Caleb, Abbey Keen; Dawson, Dylan, Jada Abitz; Jonah, Carsyn, Cooper Roling, Hayden, Brennen, Brogen, Olivia, Chloe Braunreiter; Carter and Dawson Shimkus; Ava, Vera, Nora, Ella Grutz; and Gavin, Aliah, Payton Swan. Dean was so proud of all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always interested in their sports, their schooling, and what fun things they were up to.

Dean will be joining his wife Eileen who preceded him by seven days.  And his sons who died in infancy, Dayle, Douglas and Dominic.  Along with his siblings: Wayne, Lee and Howard Jewett and Wanda Luebke.

Dean was a man of few words.  But that silent presence still spoke volumes.  It spoke of a man who had an unbelievable work ethic, with endless creative ideas and a generous spirit that never knew limits.  It spoke of a man of pure goodness, that demonstrated a profound love of God and his fellow man and who enjoyed the simplicity of life.  Dean exemplified for all of us that we should strive for, and we are grateful every day for the life he gave us.