Dean Gerard Vaske

Dean Gerard Vaske, 60, of Manchester, Iowa, was born to Arthur and Loretta (Quint) Vaske.  He graduated from West Delaware High School in Manchester.  Dean departed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, on May 27, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.   

On August 20, 1988, Dean was united in marriage to Julia Kay Hilsenbeck at Immaculate Conception in Masonville. Four children were born into this union.  Together they farmed and raised their family in Manchester. Dean valued family time above all else.  He found great joy in attending his kids' and grandkids' events. When not busy milking cows and farming with his brother Al, he enjoyed playing cards and golfing.  He was an avid fan of sports, following the Cubs, Vikings, Bulls, and Hawkeyes.  He was a dedicated fan of the Vaske Strong softball team.  Dean was known for his playful spirit, always ready to joke around with friends and family, bringing laughter to every gathering.  

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Julia of Manchester; his children, Amanda (Justin) Downs of Manchester, Kayla (Tony) Marbach of Epworth, Cassie (Mitch) Devlin of Manchester, and Eric (Heidi) Vaske of Manchester; eight grandchildren, Bennett and Reilly Marbach, Liam, Mila, and Maci Downs, Cora and Ellie Devlin, and Baby Vaske; his siblings, Joyce (Allen) Burkle of Ryan, Alan (Felicia) Vaske of Dundee, Mark (Natalie) Vaske of Manchester, Lori (Joe) Hoeger of Hopkinton, Lois (Robert) Goedken of Dundee, and Lisa Monaghan (Doug Siefker)of Ryan; father- and mother-in-law, Richard and Sharon McCrabb of Manchester; siblings-in-law, Lorie Jaeger of Florida, Leesa (Dave) Shoemaker of Florida,  Ken Hilsenbeck of Colorado, Steve (Lynne) McCrabb of Manchester, Dan (Vicki) McCrabb of Manchester, and Shelly McCrabb of Colorado; and 30 nieces and nephews. 

Dean was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Arthur and Loretta Vaske; twin brothers, John and Joseph; sister, Janice Bahl; brothers-in-law, Mark Monaghan and Jeff Bahl; grandchildren, Raelynn and Cade Marbach; and niece, Stephanie Eline. 

Dean’s family would like to thank his doctors and nurses at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Hall Perrine Cancer Center, St. Lukes Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Regional Medical Center, and Care Initiatives Hospice for all your generous, gentle, and professional care.  At such a difficult time in our lives, we are feeling love and support from every direction.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may God bless you for your kindness.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dean Gerard Vaske, please visit our floral store.