July 12, 1927 – January 12, 2026
Dean Elmer Moffett, age 98, died Monday, January 12, 2026, at his home.
A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with the family greeting relatives and friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428.
A memorial service at 4:00 p.m. with Al Berge officiating. Military honors will be conducted by members of the Clear Lake VFW Post 4868. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Clear Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be directed in care of the family.
Dean Elmer Moffett was born July 12, 1927, the son of Elmer and Martha (Thompson) Moffett. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1945 and later enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves. After returning from the Navy, Dean furthered his education at technical school.
Dean worked alongside his grandfather and father in the family business, which evolved from Thompson’s Garage to Moffett & Son and eventually to Moffett’s Garage; remaining in the family for 100 years.
Dean met the love of his life, Virginia Lauer, at the legendary Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They were united in marriage on December 21, 1952, at St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City, Iowa. They were blessed with three children and made their home in Clear Lake, where they raised their family.
Dean and Virginia enjoyed dancing, traveling, and fishing. They especially loved trips north to their favorite spots in Bemidji, Minnesota, including Leech Lake and Wolf Lake. Dean also enjoyed pheasant hunting and was a devoted Clear Lake Lions sports enthusiast who proudly supported his alma mater. In more recent years, he enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeye women’s basketball team, especially during Caitlin Clark’s time on the court.
His other interests included playing two-person 500, Rummikub, and Dominoes. Dean also had a love for classic cars. He was a member of the Noon Lions Club and Zion Lutheran Church.
Dean is survived by his children, Carole (Chuck) Malotte and Jamie (Kaye) Moffett; grandchildren, Amanda (Dan) Black, William (Melissa) Moffett, Michael Moffett (Laura Yohn), Stephanie, Jason (Molly) Rose, Ashley (Matthew) Richardson, Anna (Zak) Dalrymple, and Winston Lemon; his daughter-in-law, Salli Stoppel; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia Moffett; his son, William “Bill” Moffett; and his sister, Lois Reynolds.
colonialchapels.com