Life as we know it will forever be changed as Dean Russell Kleis, 54, of Grinnell, lowa passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 31st, 2022.
Dean was born in San Diego, California on February 3rd, 1968 to Sondra L Kleis O’Neall. Dean and his family moved to Iowa when he was 14 years old and from there he attended and graduated from Wayne Community High School (1982-1987) where he played varsity football (starting his freshman year; he was the first freshman to make varsity). Over his high school career, Dean broke several school records including number of sacks and punt blocks.
In 1982, Dean met the love of his life; Carrie Ann in Allerton, lowa. From that point on, Dean and Carrie were inseparable and went on to get married and start their own family by having two boys: Jacob Andrew and Zakkary Dean- Gunner.
After graduating in 1987, Dean obtained his CDL from Indian Hills Vocational School and eventually was successful in establishing his own business: Kleis Flooring.
Dean spent his time collecting and trading memorabilia; cheering on his favorite sports teams/drivers (Chargers, Padres, Lakers, and Hendrick Motorsports). He loved playing video games and was a part of a PlayStation Network community where he touched many hearts and created lifelong family friends. He was a tough loving man whose life motto was "family first”. He cherished his wife, family and friends more than anything else in the world.
Dean devoted his life to making memories by spending time with those he loved the most. His love for music took him to countless concerts and he created and participated in a few different bands with his family and friends. Music was just one of the ways that he would build bridges and connect with people.
Dean was preceded in death by: Arthur Frank Kleis Jr., Arthur Frank Kleis Sr., Sondra Lee Kleis O’Neall, Bertha May Kleis, and Tony Allen Wren. He is survived by his wife Carrie, his sons Jacob and Zakk, his daughter-in-laws Rebecca and Charlee, his grandsons Riley, Layne, and Ryan, his granddaughters Phoenix and Octavia, and his siblings Timothy Jones, Dennis O’Neall, and Deedra O’Neall.
Services will be held at Merle Hay Chapel on Thursday, January 12th 2023 at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Saint Charles Cemetery at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, there is a gofundme for Carrie to help support her during these difficult times