Dean Kurt Shoemaker, 64, of Winfield, Iowa, formerly of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 10:35 p.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Washington County Hospital & Clinics, Washington, Iowa.

Dean was born August 20, 1961 in LaHarpe the son of Frank and Naomi F. (Spainhower) Shoemaker Sr. He was a 1979 graduate of LaHarpe High School. Following high school, he began working construction for Mynatt Construction in LaHarpe, learning many tools of the trade. He could build or fix anything. Dean also attended Montana School of Taxidermy and Tanning and opened Prairie State Custom Tanning when he returned. Later, he worked on various bridge crews including Hillyer Construction, Macomb, Illinois.

Dean was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, riding horses, and especially spending time with his daughter and grandsons. He loved cooking and surprising his family with the new meals he had made.

Survivors include one daughter: Lindy Finke of Winfield, Iowa; two grandsons: Gannon and Jackson; six siblings: Frank (Annette) Shoemaker Jr. of Wheaton, Illinois, Lindsay (Debbie) Shoemaker of LaHarpe, Paula (Rob) Blythe of Dallas City, Marvin Shoemaker of Charleston, South Carolina, Ken Shoemaker of LaHarpe and Reva Jones of Los Angeles, California and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home of LaHarpe.

Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Banks & Beals with Rev. Rick Goettsche officiating. Burial will follow in LaHarpe Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established for his grandson's education. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Dean's obituary at banksandbeals.com.