Dean E. Werkheiser, age 75 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the University of Madison Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born February 20, 1944 in Lena, IL to Mervin and Marian (Koesler) Werkheiser. He was a 1962 graduate of Pearl City High School. Dean married Patsy Haight on November 19, 1966.

He had worked various tool & die jobs in the area over the years and retired from Sauer-Danfoss. He attended First Free Methodist Church of Freeport. His memberships included the Freeport Pilot's Association and Freeport Fishing Club. His passion was flying and he owned his own plane. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing his dulcimer, which he did as a volunteer for FHN Hospice music therapy. Most of all Dean loved spending time with his family, especially taking them fishing and enjoying ice cream together.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patsy Werkheiser of Freeport; son, Kevin (Connie) Werkheiser of Charleston, TN; daughter, Laurie (Tim) Coleman of Freeport; grandchildren, Kristopher (Emily) Valkema, Kyle (Tiffany) Valkema, Michael (Cori Curtis) Smith, and Ashley (Grayson) Kent; great grandchildren, Aiden Valkema and Luna Mae Smith; brother, Charles Werkheiser of Jeffersonville, PA; and sister, Karen (Ron) Targo of Glendale Heights, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Werkheiser.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 1 ^st from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary in Freeport. The funeral service will be Monday, December 2 ^nd at 11:00 a.m. at First Free Methodist Church in Freeport. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established in his name for FHN Hospice. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.