Dean George Kounkel

Dean G. Kounkel, 83, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Tuesday, November 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. and the memorial service on Wednesday, November 27 at 10:30 a.m.

Dean is survived by his son, Neal (Jill) Kounkel of Lee’s Summit, MO; daughters, Dr. Valerie (Angie) Kounkel of Johnston and Jody (Dan) Swensen of Clive; grandchildren, Jeff and John Kounkel; Colby, Cody and Colten Swensen; a sister, Lynn (Steve) Fleckenstein of Hinton, IA; special friend, Esther Crowell of Johnston; his pet cat, Spider; and other loving family members. Dean was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Sherrill Kounkel; by his parents, and his nephew, Mac Fleckenstein.

Dean George Kounkel, the son of George and Juanita (Hinrichs) Kounkel, was born April 13, 1941, in Sioux City, IA. He graduated from Leeds High School in 1959. Upon receiving an academic scholarship, Dean attended Morningside College in Sioux City and in 1964 graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. On June 4, 1966, Dean was united in marriage to Sherrill Miller in Fort Dodge, IA. Dean spent much of his working career in the gypsum products industry in the Fort Dodge area. He was a quality control supervisor for 26 years with the Celotex Corporation, later working at National Gypsum and then finally retiring from United States Gypsum in 2003.

Dean was a member of Valley Church in West Des Moines, IA. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and gardening. Dean rarely missed the opportunity to participate in the Iowa deer and pheasant seasons or take his boat on a good lake with the hope of landing a walleye or two. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs. More than anything, Dean loved spending time with his family. He was especially proud of his 5 grandsons.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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