IDAHO FALLS, ID -- On January 17, 2006, Virgil “Dean” Dimick passed away of natural causes while hunting geese on the American Falls Indian Reservation with his trustworthy black labs, Doc and KC, at his side. Although untimely, all who knew and loved Dean could not have written a better script for him to leave this life.
Dean was a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Everyone who knew Dean loved him for his fun-loving sense of humor, quick wit, and easygoing disposition. His friends remember him as “one of a kind.” He was never in a bad mood and always had a smile on his face. His zest for life was apparent to all, and he lived his life to the fullest!
On November 4, 1940, Dean was born in Montpelier, ID, to Virgil L. Dimick and LaVay Alleman Dimick. He spent his childhood in Montpelier, where with the guidance of his father and older brother DeWayne, he learned how to enjoy the outdoors and acquired his passion and prowess for hunting and fishing. Dean graduated from Montpelier High School in 1959 and attended Idaho State University Vocational Technical School where he received a Certificate in Electronics.
Dean married Renee Kunz Wuska on September 3, 1965, in Montpelier, ID. To this union were born Michael Dean Dimick and Nicole Anne Dimick Nelson. They were later divorced.
On January 1, 1994, Dean married Donna Kay (Katie) Heinle in Idaho Falls, ID, and they recently celebrated their twelfth wedding anniversary. Dean and Katie are well known as wonderful hosts to their many friends and created beautiful memories camping, golfing, trapshooting, and visiting their children and grandchildren. Dean was hard to beat when it came to cooking in the dutch oven; grilling steaks, fish, and chicken; and even building the “biggest” campfire. With Katie’s flair for festive and creative decorations for each and every holiday, their friends looked forward to visiting their home. To Katie’s delight and at her direction, Dean enjoyed working on their home and became very skilled at painting, installing tile, and wood flooring. Dean was always good and kind to Katie. Dean and Katie were lovingly known as “Beauty and the Beast” to their special friends. With a twinkle in his eye, Dean always asked how she could tolerate them calling her a Beast! Although he enjoyed teasing, Dean was a sensitive man and cared about his family. He was very good to his mother, always calling and checking to see if she needed anything. Katie noted that quality and knew that he would be a great husband and companion.
Dean retired September 2004 from Argonne National Laboratory where he worked as an NDA Specialist. He was respected at work and was known for his friendliness and charm.
The coffee in Dean’s office must have been better than any other on site, as Dean’s office was noted as the place “to be.” Not everyone considered the coffee as “Starbucks quality,” but still they came, probably more often than they should have.
In spite of his good nature, he would not tolerate tardiness, particularly when he was going hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycling, boating, or golfing. He kept everyone on their toes! Everyone enjoyed time spent with Dean and would not chance having him leave them behind.
Dean could not have been a more loving father to his children. He was a great dad, and time spent with him will always be cherished. Whether hunting with Mike or showing his sensitive side to Nicole, he always gave his all and let them know that he would always be there for them. Dean assured their happiness, and it was apparent to all that they brought him great joy. This same trend was noted with his stepdaughters, sons-in law, and four grandchildren. He looked forward to seeing them and talking with them on the phone.
Dean will always be remembered and forever in our hearts.
Survivors are Dean’s wife, Katie Dimick, Idaho Falls; son, Michael Dean Dimick, Idaho Falls; daughter, Nicole Anne (Greg) Nelson, Arlington, WA; stepdaughter, Andrea Dawn (Darrin) Griechen, Spokane, WA; stepdaughter, Christine Noelle Wiggins, Madison, WI; mother, LaVay Dimick, Montpelier, ID; and brother, DeWayne (Sue) Dimick, Liberty, ID; grandchildren, Ashley Jaq Griechen, Olivia Lauren Nelson, Natalie Renee Dimick, Nicolas David Nelson. His father, Virgil, preceded him in death.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2006, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, Idaho Falls.