Dean S. Arney

Dean S. Arney, 91, of Bettendorf, Iowa died on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Lutheran Living Community in Davenport, 

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Asbury United Methodist Church of Bettendorf where he was a longtime member.  Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. also on Saturday at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Quad-Cities Bicycle Club (QCBC).  McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home of Bettendorf is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dean was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on July 5, 1932, the eldest of five to Max and Elizabeth (Stoakes) Arney. In his youth, he spent much of his time working on the family dairy farm and orchard.  After graduating from Marshalltown High School, he attended Iowa State University, participated on the wrestling team, and received his Bachelor's degree in Engineering.  He later obtained his Master’s degree in Business from the University of Iowa. He briefly left college to work in Alaska and the oil rigs in Louisiana, touring the country on the back of a motorcycle. Which was sold before returning to Marshalltown to ensure his mother did not find out.

On June 5, 1955, he was united in marriage to Marilyn “Joey” Ausdal in Marshalltown. Raising their family and traveling to many countries throughout their lives together.

Dean and Joey started their life together in Minneapolis, they eventually made their home in Bettendorf where Dean was employed with International Harvester for 25 years and later with J.I. Case Company from where he retired. Retirement was short lived, and he returned on contract working for several years in both England and France. Making friends in both countries, especially those with a shared love of cycling, he saw much of each country from the seat of a borrowed bike.

Throughout his life, Dean was involved in several events and committees in the area, however his favorite pursuit was cycling, logging thousands of miles every year.  He was a loyal member and past president of the QCBC and helped create TOMRV and TOGIR and supported the Criterium.  However, he treasured the Tailwind rides with his friends Carter, John and Bob. Always heading in the direction to keep the wind at their backs, never knowing where they would end up at the close of the week. He rode in RAGBRAI many times from its early years. Beginning his trip from Bettendorf, riding his bike to the western starting point to its completion on the eastern edge of the state and then finally riding up or down the Mississippi to return to Bettendorf. 

Dean enjoyed supporting his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids in their activities. Traveling for hockey, tennis, soccer, volleyball, softball, baseball, basketball, and football.  In his later years, Dean took a great interest in genealogy, not only his own family, but helping others compile their family histories, as well.

Those left to honor his memory include his beloved wife of over 68 years, Joey; his children, Gregory (Cheri) Arney of Bettendorf, Holly (Jeff) McCoy of Bettendorf, Jennifer Busbey of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Sara (David) Steil of Keystone, Iowa; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; his brothers, Craig Arney of Golden Valley, Minnesota, Paul Arney of Postville, Iowa, and Herb (Teresa) Arney of Albion, Iowa and many other relatives and wonderful friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his sister, Naomi Thede; brother-in-law, Norm Thede; sisters-in-law Claudia Arney and Jerrine Arney and son-in-law, Bob Busbey.