Dean, M. Bailey, 92

Dean M. Bailey, 92, formerly of the town of Rome (Nekoosa), Wis., died Monday, Jan. 9, at Atrium Post Acute Care in New Holstein.

Dean was born June 9, 1924 in Belvidere, Ill. to Fred and Alversa (Rote) Bailey. Dean served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

He married Jean Warner on Sept. 6, 1947 in Janesville, Wis. She died May 31, 2006.

Dean was formerly employed at Smith Oil Company in Rockford, Ill. and was a bartender at several establishments in
Illinois.

Dean was a member of the Wisconsin Rapids Elks Club and was a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He had a quick wit and always had a joke to share. He loved music and often could be heard singing Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett songs. Dean was an avid outdoorsman and in his senior years, loved going four-wheeling
with his wife Jean.

He is survived by four children: Dan (Marilyn) Bailey of Nekoosa; Nancy (Rod) Hoppe of Chilton; Sharon Bailey of Wisconsin Rapids, and Janet (special friend Jim Ross) Bailey of Plover; five grandchildren: April Anderson, Katie Smith, John McGuire, Melissa Bailey, and Jennifer Chellsen; five great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and one sister, Marion “Jeanette” Hector of Billings, Mont.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and his brother Herb.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home in Nekoosa, Wis. Rev. Bill Fischer officiated.

Visitation was held on Friday, Jan. 13 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Military rites were provided by Nekoosa VFW Post 5960.

Online condolences may be expressed at: ritchayfuneralhome.com.