Dean LeWarne Strong

Dean L Strong, age 83, passed away June 21, 2022.

Dean LeWarne Strong, the red-headed son of Philander “Mike” and Velma Strong, was born April 20, 1939, on the farm where he grew up. Dean loved that farm.

He graduated from high school in Plover, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University, where he developed an interest in broadcasting.  He worked for several years as a disc jockey in Iowa before accepting a news casting/disc jockey position at WITY in Danville, IL.  Subsequently he worked at Bohn Aluminum, Hyster, and GM before retirement from Ball Corporation in 2002.

Before leaving Iowa, Dean had attended an Iowa Air National Guard summer training camp at Kickapoo Park.  That summer he met and later married Diane Ruth Cory on May, 19, 1968, in Danville. She survives.

Dean’s theatrical role of a lifetime was Daddy Warbucks in Danville Light Opera’s production of Annie. He hadn’t planned to audition, but from the moment he walked into the room, the director took one look at him and said “You’re perfect.” He continued to perform in The Pirates of Penzance, She Loves Me, and several other DLO productions.

He also loved to fly, and maintained a private pilot’s license for years.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Carol Shimon, Naomi Wood and her husband Wesley.

He is survived by his wife Diane Strong; two children, Dena Strong of Champaign, IL and David (Kristen) Strong of Lakeville, MN; three red-headed grandchildren, Harper, Hudson and Heath; one nephew, Bret Shimon of Council Bluffs, Iowa, two nieces, Becky Dvorak of Norwalk, Iowa, and Sandra Shimon-Smith (Alex) of Orlando, FL.; three great nieces; and his brother-in-law Darwin Shimon.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 901 West Fairchild Street, Danville, IL.  Saturday, July 9, 2022.  Visitation 10-11 AM; service to follow.  Pastor Ed Stone will officiate.  The family prefers memorial gifts be sent to Bethel Lutheran Church. 

Online condolences may be made at www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com.

Rortvedt Funeral Services & Crematory in Tilton is assisting the family.

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