Dean Ray Flora (84) was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Dean was born on March 14, 1942, in Rhodes, Iowa, the second of three sons born to Alfred and Adeline (Donaldson) Flora. He grew up working on his family farm and attended country school in Baxter through sixth grade before coming into town for school beginning in seventh grade. During high school, Dean participated in football, baseball, basketball, and a 1⁄2 lap in track before hanging up his spikes. After graduating from high school in 1960, Dean began working at Baxter Grain and Coal for his uncle, Charles Flora, and eventually became the owner.

On July 14, 1961, Dean married the love of his life and best friend, Karen Garton. They made their home in Baxter and raised their three children: Jan, Jeff, and Joe. Later in his career, Dean delivered propane to Baxter residents until his retirement in June 2005. On his first day of retirement, the weather was so beautiful that he called Karen at work just to let her know.

Throughout his life, Dean loved gardening. Whether he was growing popcorn, vegetables, or flowers, he did it all and generously shared with anyone and everyone. He especially loved coaching his children’s sports and being the biggest Hawkeye fan.

Dean never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone – especially if the topic was the Hawkeyes or his family.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Adeline (Donaldson) Flora, stepmother Bessie (Allan) Flora, brother Darrell Flora, nephew Chad Flora, mother, and father-in-law Clair and Coy (Crawford) Garton, and his brothers-in-law are Doug (Gerri) Garton and Stan Richeson.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Flora, and children, Jan (Tim) Hurley, Jeff (Dawn) Flora, and Joe (Angie) Flora. His grandkids are Kristin Hurley (Bartek Woroniecki), Jenny Ann Hurley, AJ (Michelle) Flora, Bridget Hurley (Thomas Schnabel), Austin Flora, Andrew Flora, Aiden Flora, and Pete Flora. His brother Dwaine (Jeannie) Flora. And many others, including nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Baxter Recreation Department for the Chad Flora Field.

By Mail: Baxter Rec (Attn: Chad Flora Field) PO Box 451 Baxter, IA 50028

By Venmo: @baxterrecreation (Please note "Chad Flora Field" in the memo).