Obituaries : Dean Chandler Schirm

Dean Chandler Schirm, 96, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, due to natural causes. Dean was born on April 4, 1928, in Vinton, Iowa where he was raised and where he graduated from Vinton High School.

In 1951, Dean married the love of his life, Helen, whom he met in Vinton before joining the U.S. Army. Their love story continued as Helen accompanied him to Georgia during his service. After his honorable discharge from the Army as corporal in 1953, the couple returned to Iowa, where they raised their family and built a life filled with love and laughter.

For 30 years, he served as a rural mail carrier in Shellsburg, Iowa, delivering not only letters, but also his friendship and helping hand. Before that, he worked as a gifted finish carpenter, having the rare ability to build a home from the foundation up, mastering every detail from cement work to electrical and plumbing. He could rebuild and repair cars with the same love and care that he gave his neighbors. Dean was always the first to offer a helping hand, never hesitating when someone was in need. Dean enjoyed fishing and hunting and had a deep affection for his dogs, especially his loyal companion, Hansie.

In 1989, after decades of hard work, Dean and Helen retired to St. Petersburg, Florida, where they enjoyed their later years in the sunshine, surrounded by family and friends. Retirement allowed Dean to focus on the simple pleasures he cherished.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Dean was known for his kindness, resourcefulness, and encouraging spirit. He was always quick to offer compliments and support, rarely asking for help himself. His infectious smile and great sense of humor brought warmth to those around him, and he lived simply, content with a hot cup of coffee and a good game of cards with family.

Dean's life was highlighted by his love of family. His sons, Dean Jr. and Steve, recall fond memories of family fishing vacations in Minnesota and Canada, hunting trips, sledding and flying kites, He used his craftsmanship and creativity to help with their school projects, (often earning them an A) and he built the boys a baseball diamond complete with a professional type backstop that lasted for decades. By his example, Dean taught his children the value of hard work, as well as the importance of love and family. His unwavering support was constant in the lives of those he loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife Helen; his sons, Dean (Mary) Schirm Jr. and Steven (Joy) Schirm; his five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his sister Donna Merchant; his brothers Robert (Jeanne) Schirm and Gary (Geraldine) Schirm; and many nieces and nephews. Dean was preceded in death by his parents, George and Opal Schirm; his siblings, JoAnn Schirm and Everett (Loretta) Schirm.

Dean's gentle spirit, generosity, and humble nature will be forever remembered by all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held in Vinton, Iowa, at a future date to be determined, where Dean will be laid to rest.

REMEMBER ME:
Remember me when flowers bloom early in the spring
Remember me on sunny days in the fun that summer brings
Remember me in the fall as you walk through leaves of gold
And remember me in the wintertime In the stories that are told
But most of all remember each day, right from the start
I will be forever near, for I live within your heart.