Dean Kenneth Berchenbriter, 77, was born on July 23, 1947, and passed away on March 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the firstborn of five children to Kenneth Dean Berchenbriter and Joanne Gensicke Berchenbriter Lamb. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services is caring for his family.
Dean was raised on Sunnydale Dairy Farm in NW Cedar Rapids and attended the nearby one-room Stony Point School, where he was a student through 6th grade. Dean graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1965 and served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. Following military service, Dean entered the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Geology. He continued his studies in Geological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines from 1987-1988.
Following college at UI, Dean was employed as a geologist for mining and petroleum companies in Illinois, West Virginia, Indiana, and Colorado before returning to Iowa in 1989 to work for several engineering and environmental consulting companies. He began his own business, GeoServices, Inc., in 2006, performing environmental consulting and radon mitigation services.
Dean was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He enjoyed watching football and women's basketball, fishing, scuba diving, sports cars, 60's rock music, vintage radios, and exploring the world with his fellow traveler and University of Iowa alumni, Carol Peckenpaugh Berchenbriter, who became his bride in 1976 in Hinsdale, Illinois.
Dean is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol; children, Thomas, Timothy, Cherrie (Joel) Girdner, Deanna, and Carolyn (Chuck) Cummins; sisters, Ann Tiedt, Lynn (Alan) Goya, and Dawn Trudeau; grandchildren, Zoey, Adalynne, Gia, Elyse, Lillian, Hayden, Ezra and William; and his loyal canine friend, Sherman. His parents, and brother, Daniel, preceded him in death.
Dean was a member of Hillside Community Church for 30 years. He has chosen to donate his body to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to lmpacto Ministries in San Juan, Guatemala (https://www.impactoministry.com).
Memorial services will be held at Hillside Community Church, 2600 1st Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, on Saturday, April 5, at 10:00 am.Please share your support and memories with Dean's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
So sorry to hear of Dean’s passing, but rejoicing in his new home in eternity. Much love and hugs to the family from Deb and me. May wonderful memories of joy bring comfort in this temporary time of separation. – Pastor Danny Davis and Deb
Dear Carol and family, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Dean. Sending all of our love and prayers!
Dave Gibbs
(On behalf of the Gibbs family)
We are so sorry for your loss! We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Carol we love your entire family so very much! It seems we have grown our families up together and experienced many things. I wish you all the peace possible in this time of grief. Knowing that Dean is rejoicing in his eternal home. Love you
Carol and family, thinking of you and sending prayers during this difficult time. Planting a tree in memory of Dean and to honor Carols gardening.
Carol and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know your hearts are very heavy right now, and I am praying that our good Lord will comfort you and help you to find some peace and rest in Him.
Mary Ann Gensicke
Carol and Tim,
We are saddened by your loss. We pray the Holy Spirit will comfort you during this time of mourning.
Sincerely,
Carroll & Janet Duncan
Dave & Nancy Duncan
Berchenbriter family,
We are so sorry and deeply saddened by your loss. Your family is in our thoughts prayers. A donation has been made to Impacto Ministries in Dean’s honor.
Jim and Carmen Girdner
Dear Carol and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We send our love and deepest sympathy.