Dean F. Baalhorn

Dean F. Baalhorn, age 85 of Cozad, passed away Monday, December 9th, 2013, at Cozad Community Hospital. Dean was Born March 24, 2013 at Cozad to Fred and Minnie (Wolf) Baalhorn. Dean attended District 19 in rural Cozad and graduated from Cozad High School in 1945. Following high school, Dean attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he played football. In 1946, he transferred to Kearney State to be closer to home. He ran track and played football at Kearney State. Following college, Dean went to work for Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Company for a year before returning to the family farm. On June 6th, 1948, Dean married Lois Gill.  Dean and Lois were blessed with 2 children, Cindy and Dahlas.  Dean farmed and ranched in rural Dawson and Custer Counties for 40 years, before retiring in 1987.  During his career, Dean received the award for Nebraska Outstanding Young Farmer.  He was an active and devoted member of the American Lutheran Church in Cozad.   Dean was a proud member and Past Exalted Ruler of Cozad Elks Lodge #2250.  He and Lois won the Elks National Foundation Award for Nebraska West District and earned the Elks National Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.  Dean enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding horses and ranching.  He was an avid baseball player and fan.  He played for the Cozad GreenSox in His early years.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Lutheran Church in Cozad or donor's choice.  Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.  Dean was preceded in death by his parents and 2 infant brothers.  Survivors include his loving wife, Lois; daughter, Cindy (Mark) Peyton of Gothenburg; son, Dahlas (Marilyn) Baalhorn of Lincoln; 4 grandsons, Reece and Alex Peyton and Brett and Riley Baalhorn; great granddaughter, Emilia Jo Peyton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Jan Gill of Gothenburg; nieces, Claudine Kennicutt of Gothenburg and Sally Guthmiller of Omaha; nephew Ben Gill of San Diego; and many other relatives and friends.Services will be held Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Cozad with Pastor Michael Parsh officiating.  Burial will be at the Cozad Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel.  Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.