Arlen R. Dean

Arlen R. Dean, 78, a cherished member of the South Sioux City community, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 4, 2024, in Omaha, due to complications from heart issues.

A memorial service to celebrate Arlen’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 3:00 PM, at the Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Born on February 16, 1946, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Emory and Bonnie (Keyser) Dean. Arlen graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1964 and dedicated his life to serving others.

His influential career began in 1967 when he joined the South Sioux City Police Department. With unwavering commitment, Officer 207 served as a protector and friend to his community until his retirement in 1994. Known for his fairness and kindness, he touched countless lives during his tenure, earning a reputation as a compassionate officer. Following his time in law enforcement, Arlen continued to serve the community as a Court Security Officer in the Sioux City Federal Building until his retirement on November 12, 2013.

Arlen married Jan Heikes in 1976, together they raised Jason and Nicole, and although this relationship wasn’t permanent, they remained friends through the years. Arlen later married Ruth Becker Nelson on May 2, 1998, and became a bonus dad to Ruth’s two sons, Daniel and Eric. The couple were the best of friends that spent most of their time together, and were rarely seen apart.

Beyond his professional life, Arlen was a man of many passions. He found joy in woodworking, hunting, and fishing. His love for aviation was particularly evident; he was a devoted member of the Air Museum and the Air Force Association, and frequently attended air shows to revel in the beauty of flight. He was a great husband, dad, uncle, and grandpa, who was always ready with a dad joke to lighten the mood.

Arlen is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Dean, and their children: Jason (Brooke) Dean of Littleton, CO; Nicole Dean (TJ Ross) of Morris, MN; Daniel (Jessica) Nelson of South Sioux City; and Eric Nelson of Sioux City. Additionally, he was a proud grandpa to Alexandria, Dominic, Connor, Eli, and Josie. His sister, Joanne Hammack of Sioux City, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and cousins, carry on his legacy of love and kindness.

Arlen joins his parents Emory and Bonnie Dean, and siblings—Conrad Dean, Klemmett Dean, Erma Fitch, and Marilyn Tallman—who preceded him in death.

His absence will be deeply felt, but his spirit will live on in the stories and memories shared by family and friends.