Roberts. R. Dean, Roberts. R. Dean

R. Dean Roberts, 91, passed away in Mesa, Ariz. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday April 30, which would have been his 92nd birthday, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Burial will follow the service at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Dean is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cathryn (Swift) Roberts of Mesa, Ariz.; daughters, Kay Siechert of Fountain, Colo., and Gail (Kirt) Tisdale of Vista, Calif.; Cathryn's daughters, Linda (Bob) Welsch of Waverly, and Cheryle (Bill) Mitchell of Robins; grandson Robert; three granddaughters, Tiffany, Brea and Kelsey; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wayne and William Ralston “Raul” Roberts; a son-in-law;, and a granddaughter.

R. Dean Roberts was born April 30, 1920, to Thomas and Mary Jane (Williams) Roberts on a farm in Williamsburg, Iowa. His life's work was in the demonstration and sales of heavy equipment. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army with a rank of master sergeant and served during World War II in the South Pacific. Dean joined the Mason's and was a 50 year member of Crescent Lodge #25 in Cedar Rapids, Captain of the Color Guard of the El Kahir Shrine for 19 years, and served as Magistrate in Delaware County for 10 years. He loved living in the warm climate of Mesa with his wife, as well as spending time with his family.

A memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be expressed at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette April 28, 2012.