Dean G. Heacock

Dean G. Heacock, age 71, of Durango, IA, completed his earthly journey on September 19, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Dean’s life, his Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Meadows Golf Club, 15766 Clover Lane in Asbury.  A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Ed McCarthy officiating.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dean’s family.

Dean was born on May 1, 1954, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Louis and Anna (McCarthy) Heacock.  He grew up on the family farm in Asbury, where he first learned the values of hard work, family, and grit that shaped the rest of his life.  Dean found the love of his life, Marcella “Sally” Jecklin, and the couple was united in marriage on May 8, 1976.  They were blessed with 49 wonderful years together and a family of their own to raise, love and nurture together.

Before starting his own business, Heacock and Sons Construction, Dean worked with Kluck Construction and co-owned Temperley-Heacock Construction.  Building a business with his sons was one of his greatest sources of pride. He taught his three boys a strong work ethic, and he took great satisfaction in knowing they all went into the construction field, carrying on the trade he loved.  He was a proud member of the Dubuque Homebuilders and Associates and always took great pride not only in his work, but also in the life he had made, the family he built, and the joy he found along the way.

When Dean worked, he worked hard; when he played, he played hard; and when he loved, he loved immensely. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and was always ready for a road trip or a ride in the side by side. He looked forward to outings with friends in their Once A Month Club.  He had a quick wit and a smirk that always hinted at the punchline to come—he could make anyone laugh.

Dean cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, who brought him endless happiness. To them, he wasn’t just a grandfather—he was a teacher, a jokester, and a hero.  His positive impact on the world around him is undeniable and every intentional effort Dean made throughout his life to lead those he loved and cared for has surely paid immeasurable dividends now that his legacy remains behind.

Those who knew him best will remember a man who could be a real bad boy, but also a real good man.  We will miss every part of the man we called husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend until we meet again and are forever grateful for each and every memory we possess to strengthen us until that day arrives.  Thank you, Dean, for reminding us all that success in life is not a secret only a few can discover, but rather that life will be exactly what you put into it, how you react to the large and small moments throughout, and most importantly, who you choose to share it with.  May we retain and incorporate this wisdom into our own lives and carry your love and lesson forward without fail.   

Those left to cherish the memory of Dean include,

his loving wife,

Marcella “Sally” Heacock, Durango, IA;

his three sons,

Justin (Meggan) Heacock, Peosta, IA,

and their children, Jackson, Brody and Logan Heacock,

Luke (Jolene) Heacock, Asbury, IA,

and their children, Ellie, Owen and Leah Heacock,

and Clint (Abbey) Heacock, Holy Cross, IA,

and their children, Easton, Sawyer, and Maeve Heacock;

his two brothers,

Ken (Helen) Heacock, Dubuque, IA,

and Duane (Mary) Heacock, Peosta, IA;

his brothers and sisters-in-law,

Ronald Winter, Asbury, IA,

Dave (Rita) Ruden, Dubuque, IA,

Donald (Julie VanZile) Jecklin, Jr., Peosta, IA,

Robert (Rose) Mueller, Epworth, IA,

Dennis (Lois) Schmidt, Key West, IA,

and Jane Jecklin, Peosta, IA;

along with countless nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Arvel “Red” Heacock, Gloria (Ed) Herbst, and Carol Winter; his mother and father-in-law, Donald (Mary) Jecklin, Sr.; his sister-in-law, Vivian Strom; and his nephew, Gene Herbst. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dean’s name to Hospice of Dubuque.

Dean’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kelli, Kristin and Angelia, along with everyone at No Place Like Home, and the doctors and nurses on 3^rd floor medical at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care. Also, a very heartfelt thank you to his special niece, Janet Smith.

Online condolences may be shared with Dean’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com