Dean Edward Bogle was born the seventh of eight children of Julius and Ila Bogle on May 22,1940 in Mound City, MO. The family relocated to Auburn, NE when Dean was young. He attended Auburn Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1958. Dean was a hard worker all his life starting full-time employment at age 13, working at Midway Grocery store after school and on weekends.
Following high school graduation, Dean attended barber school in Omaha. He began his barbering career in Falls City, NE, eventually owning his own barber shop on Stone Street, in the Falls City business district.
In June 1961, Dean married Sharon Norvell, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Their married life started in Falls City, where their daughter, Dena, and son, Delyn were born and raised.
A life-long entrepreneur, Dean sold his barber shop and opened the Sears & Roebuck store where you could pick up your Sears catalog orders and buy Kenmore appliances. Always a car guy, his trusty appliance delivery van was fondly named Gentle Ben. While owning the Sears store, Dean began selling Allstate insurance, a Sears company, along with other lines as an independent agent.
After he sold the Sears store, he continued as an independent insurance agent until he was recruited to work at Falls City Meat Company, also known as Mickleberry Meats. Dean worked in a variety of roles in bookkeeping, eventually serving as General Manager. After leaving Falls City Meat Company, Dean was hired as General Manager of Woodings Verona Tool Works, a Budd Company, which made striking tools such as sledgehammers and axes. He helped establish and operate the Woodings plant in the south industrial park in Falls City.
Dean left Woodings to return to owning his own business, purchasing the NAPA Auto Parts store located in Humboldt, NE in 1984. Dean ran the store until his retirement in 2002, working 6 days a week, selling auto parts for 18 years.
Dean was actively involved in community service in both Falls City and Humboldt. Dean was an active member of the Falls City Jaycees for several years. He served on the board, as Vice President, President, and State Vice President. Dean extended several new chapters in southeast Nebraska as the State Vice President.
Dean worked in the press box for the Falls City Public Schools during football season. Taught middle school Sunday School at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and served on the church council.
He served on the Chamber of Commerce boards in Falls City and Humboldt. Dean was a member of the Economic Development Industrial Committee of Falls City and was a 60-year member of the Falls City Elks Lodge.
He was a member of Humboldt Shares, a board member and past President of Humboldt Lions Club and served as chairman of the Pawnee Area Regional Revolving Loan Fund Committee. Dean served a 5-year term on the board of directors of Colonial Acres Nursing Home and a 5-year term on the board of River Country Economic Development. Dean was chairman of the Humboldt START Committee for two years. Through community input, Humboldt identified a need for adult recreation in the area which led to the development of Kirkman’s Cove Golf Course. He was the founder and driving force for the Quad County Golf Association and served as president from 1991 to 1998. He also served on the Humboldt Community Foundation, another achievement of the START program.
Dean was recognized for his community development work in both Richardson County communities where he lived, worked, and volunteered. Dean received the Falls City Distinguished Service Award from the Falls City Jaycees and received the Community Service Award from the Humboldt Rotary. Dean was also honored as King, Richardson County Fair, in 1999 for his community contributions.
Dean served on the board of the Quad County Historical & Research Society in Humboldt, where he helped establish the Fourth of July Car Show, and proudly shared his restored 1940 Fords and his convertibles with car enthusiasts. He was instrumental in applying for and obtaining the Historic District designation for Humboldt Square. Dean served on the Humboldt City Council.
Family was always first. Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Ila Bogle; his in-laws, LaVerne and Helen Norvell, and all seven of his siblings, brothers, Wilbur, Robert, Harley, Loyd; sisters, Ilaline Critser, Idaline Wrightsman, and Donna Stricklett; in-laws, Dorothy Bogle, Shirley Bogle, CaroLee Bogle, Alan Wrightsman, Justin Critser, and Lorren Stricklett; three nephews, Michael Bogle, Mark Sharp, and Robert “Lee” Bogle; one niece, Kathy Wrightsman Barron.
Left to treasure his memory are his wife, Sharon Bogle, Humboldt, NE; daughter, Dena Bogle Stevenson (friend, Jim), Auburn, NE; son and daughter-in-law, Delyn (Betsy) Bogle, Cameron, MO; grandchildren Corbin (Andrea) Bogle, Morton, IL; Taylor Bogle, Des Moines, IA; Darby (Logan) Eggers, Huntington Beach, CA; Ivy Bogle (fiancé, Nat), Storm Lake, IA; Paxton Bogle, Cameron, MO; great granddaughters Nelta & Nora Bogle, Morton, IL; Bonus Grandkids; Shelley Stevenson Ball (Brad), Omaha, NE; and Ryne Stevenson (fiancé, Jessica), Prospect Park, PA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A funeral service was held Friday, September 6, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Jackie Gfeller. Taylor Bogle was soloist and Edith Schlange played accompaniment. Serving as casket bearers were Randy Bogle, Rick Bogle, Paul Bogle, Jim Joe Bogle, Wendell Bogle, and Frank Critser. Honorary bearers were Kevin Burnison, Jerry Brannen, Duaine Stalder, and Dick Ogle. Burial followed in Sheridan West Cemetery at Auburn.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.
