Dean La Kose

DEAN LA KOSE

Cedar Rapids

Dean Ray La Kose went home to be with the Lord Friday, March 18, 2016.

Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Assembly of God. The Rev. Rick Gail will officiate. Private family entombment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The casket will be closed on Wednesday at the church.

The son of Charles and Verla, Dean was born Sept. 8, 1936, in Hartwick, Iowa.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Yvonne "Vonnie"; his siblings, Vernon, Charlene, Donald and Susan; his children, Gary (Lori) La Kose, Deana (Dan) Schinke and Dennis (Jessica) La Kose; and his many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Irene and Valetta; and his son, Jerry.

Dean always prided himself on a hard day's work. Whether it was his 30 years as the best concrete finisher in the business or his "retirement," working odd jobs (including his last gig at the Cedar Rapids Parks Department), Dean believed in giving his all. His work ethic spilled over to his favorite hobby, restoring vintage Farmall tractors. He loved his family with the same enthusiasm, as his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and, yes, even his wife, will attest.

The family would like to give a special thank-you to the staff at Mercy Medical Center, especially to Dr. Nabi and the nurses of the fourth and fifth floors, for their exceptional care and encouragement during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to the Dean R. La Kose Memorial or Camp Courageous.

Please leave a message or tribute to the La Kose family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com, under Obituaries.