Dean Reames, 85

Dean Ray Reames, age 85, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Edgewood Health & Rehabilitation.

Born October 22, 1935 in the house on the family farm of Clarence L. and Ertah (Clark) Reames, Dean was the youngest of four siblings.  He continued to live on that farm his entire life, and made his living raising hogs and other livestock, as well as various crops.

On March 16, 1957, Dean married Mary Jo Hicks.  Together, they raised three children (Kim, Mike, and Andy) on the farm.

Dean and Mary Jo enjoyed travelling together, eventually purchasing property “Up North” near the town of Irons.  On that property, Dean built a log cabin by hand using much of the lumber he had cut and sawed himself from his farm.  He used that cabin as a base for his favorite winter hobby, which was cruising miles of snowy trails on his beloved Arctic Cat snowmobile.

Dean served the community as a volunteer for the Newberg Fire Department for more than 30 years.  He was a member of Bethany Chapel, the Airline Snowmobile Club, Three Rivers Eagles #2303, and participated in many bowling leagues.  As a member of the St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association, Dean took great pride in restoring Allis-Chalmers tractors, which he entered in many tractor shows and antique tractor pulls.

Dean was a happy and congenial man with boundless energy for working his land and creating with his hands.  Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Jo; sister Mary Boling of Constantine; daughter, Kim (Mark) Glessner of Jones; son, Andy (Vinette) Reames of Jones; grandchildren, Austin (Carrie) Allen, Brad (Jodie) Glessner, Bryan (Shantil) Glessner, Shelby Glessner, Jessee (Chelsea) Schoetzow, and Mitch (Ashley) Schoetzow; 14 great-grandchildren; and countless nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leo Reames, sister Ruth Dieterman, and son Mike Reames.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 25, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until noon at Bethany Chapel, 15130 Millard Road, Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at noon at the church with Pastor Tim Moore officiating.  At a later date, Dean will be interred at Sand Hill Cemetery, giving him an eternal view of his beloved farm.

Donations in Dean’s memory may be directed to Bethany Chapel, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes are available at the Hohner Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.