It has been over two month since I lost my brother, Dean. It has taken me this long to put my thoughts together. I always looked up to my brother and was proud to be his sister. As kids he was the typical big brother teasing me until I would run to mom! In high school, as a lowly freshman, having a senior brother on the football team was a definite plus! He often gave me advice and I'm sure he looked out for me even though he probably didn't want to admit it. As adults we became friends even though he was a "Hawkeye" and I was a "Cyclone"! I drove to Waverly every 6 months for dental checkups and we would often share lunch or have a chat. During the last couple years of our dad's life, Dean would drive to Grundy Center on Fridays to spend time with him before he drove home to Minnesota. Dad enjoyed really enjoyed these visits! My heart is full but it is also broken. Memories are precious and time helps to heal the heart. I love you bro and I know you are still looking out for me!

Dear Linda,Derrick and Lucas,
I am so deeply sorry to learn about Dean's passing today in the paper. I am so sorry!
The short time I knew him, I could see the caring father, husband and dog-lover he was. I like to think he is now with Diva and those pups that came before her! Thank you for letting me care for your dogs....give Godiva a hug from me and may God bless you all and bring you peace during this time. Go Cyclones! (Dean would laugh at that one!) Sincerely, Dr. Stephanie Cotten

Linda, Derrick, and Lucas,
We are so saddened to read of Dean’s death. He truly was our “favorite dentist” for many years! In his quiet, gentle ways he explained procedures and never failed to ask about our family. I was at the office this morning and Carol B. and I talked about what a wonderful man and dentist he was. She said he was great to work for.
We are praying for God’s peace and comfort for all of you in the months ahead. The story posted here about the ring, his pets, volunteering, travels, and being a husband and father is so heartwarming. Thank you for posting it. Love you.

We are so sad to hear about Dean's passing from COVID! Thankfully, he is a deeply devoted Christian man and we know that he is with our heavenly Father now. 2 Corinthians 5:8 reminds us that (for Christians) "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!" Our family relied on Dean for his excellent dental care during his entire career! We trusted his expertise and we all have smiles of which he was "proud"! His calm and warm demeanor was amazing and he was such an encouragement to our family when I developed health problems. We ache for your loss, Linda, Lucas and Derrick....and Godiva. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 

Thinking of you & your entire family! Dr. Sheller was my dentist for 20+ years until his retirement. He was always so kind and warm...and just like the beautiful tribute the family wrote, he always made dental procedures painless not only by his skills, but also by his kindness (especially to me as a child). May God give you each strength, peace, wisdom and comfort. I am so sorry for your loss. 

Linda, Derrick and Lucas,
We were so sorry to hear of Dean's death, and we are grateful for the memories shared through this website. Paul has fond memories of the trips to Hawkeye games with the Shellers. Maybe that influenced his early choice of a career in dentistry. We were happy to see Derrick at Paul's wedding and to recently learn of Derrick's marriage. May this Christmas season, when so many mourn family members lost to Covid-19, remind us all of the hope made manifest in the birth of Jesus. We wish you comfort and joy in this time of sorrow.

Dean was our family dentist. His birthday was one year and one day before mine. Lucas was in Becky's class. AND, Linda and I were room mothers for Becky and Lucas!! Dean was a great and gentle dentist. Fun memories!! We are all so sorry for your loss!!!

Wayne and I were so happy when Becky and Derrick found each other and that she not only found Derrick but his family as well. When we actually met Dean, Linda and Lucas we were certain she was with a wonderful family. Although we only got to Minneapolis one or two times a year we loved that we got to spend sometime with all of you each time. We have such fond memories of all of the fun and laughter we shared. Our hearts are surely broken and we have shed many tears too but those memories are what will keep us smiling when we remember Dean. Hold on to your memories and each other and your hearts will smile again.  We love all of you.         
Kathy & Wayne

Nancy although I never met your brother, he sounds like the example of what every brother should be. Based on your kind words I’m sure he felt that you were an example of what a sister should be as well. So sorry about your loss.

I wasn’t fortunate enough to get to know Dean well, I only just met him at B and D’s wedding, but I do know Derrick well and I know only an amazing human could raise a man that is such a perfect match for my sister. This tribute was amazing and what a life he lived! My heart breaks for all of you, Linda, Lucas, Derrick and Becky! I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate life now.