Dean Allen Stetler
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It is with great sadness that the family of Dean Allen Stetler announce his passing. He was born in Beloit, KS on November 25, 1954, and passed on Saturday, February 9, 2020.
Funeral services for Dean will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 15, 2020 at First Christian Church in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS.
Dean attended school in Glen Elder, KS and graduated high school in Beloit, KS in 1972. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1976 with a degree in microbiology. He went on to earn his PhD from KU in 1979.
He was a professor in the Division of Biological Sciences at KU for 31years. He held 3 patents for his research with Lupus. He also served as a DNA expert witness.
Dean will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Marsha, and his children Amber (Eric York), Brook, and Kristen (Eric Jackson). Dean will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Hunter, Harrison, Hayden and Harper York, by his mother-in-law, Mary Brucker, by his sisters Pat Williams, Carol Dijk, Kay O’Neal, and brothers Larry (Barb) Stetler and Paul (Val) Stetler, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy Stetler, father-in-law Willard Brucker, and brothers-in-law Dave Williams, Jan Dijk, and Troy O’Neal.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dean’s name to Parkinson’s Foundation or First Christian Church – Music Ministry and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Marsha, please accept my wife Mary and my sincere condolences for you and your children’s and family’s loss. I was a long-time friend and departmental colleague of Dean, as was my wife, Mary. I served on Dean’s graduate PhD committee, and later Dean and I collaborated for several years on Lupus research. Mary and I are lucky to have known Dean. Mary and I valued his friendship, honesty and intellect, and we will miss him. Please know that we are thinking of you and your children in this difficult time.
Our kindest regards,
Marsha. It’s with a sad heart that Sabrina and I hear of the loss of Dean. Prayers for you and your family. He was an idol and hero to Sabrina. We r here if u need anything.
Kendra and Sabrina Jones
Marsha and family. I send my deepest condolences for the passing of Dean. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved.
Marsha,
We were so sorry to hear about Dean passing. It makes me smile to think he might be directing a choir in heaven! Prayers for your family,
Brad and Kathy Willis
I’m deeply saddened by this news. I haven’t seen Dean since the KU retiree luncheon at which his retirement was recognized. Dean was one of the kindest people I’ve known and worked with, and his concern for science and education were outstanding.
Prayers for him, and for the family my wish for peace and good memories.
George Pisani
For Paul and Valerie and “the family”. I never had the privilege of knowing your brother Dean, but I have had the privilege of knowing you both and judging from our personal relationship, I can only imagine the kindred spirit that dwelt in Dean’s heart. I know from personal experience how the two of you Blessed my life after my Betty’s passing and I know how you will be a true God given Blessing to your brother’s family as well.
Travel safe dear friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred Newcomb
So sorry for the loss of dean. I did not know dean but had talked to his wife frequently, they are my neighbors. Please let me know if i or sherri can do anything to help. Our prayers will be with you.
Dear Stetler family–I am deeply saddened to learn of Dean’s passing. Dean was a member of my thesis committee (PhD Micro & Mol Gen 1995). He was an outstanding scientist, teacher, mentor, & an incredibly hilarious person. He inspired me to dig deeper into the mysteries of science, with a sense of awe, curiosity, & humility. His influence on my pursuit of knowledge helped propel me toward my 30-year career in science. I owe Dean a debt which I can never fully repay…..may he rest in peace.