Dean Albert Farwell, 91, of rural Seneca, passed peacefully on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, with his wife and family by his side. His wife passed just hours later.

Dean was born to Albert Clyde and Laura Velma Pelton Farwell on June 3, 1928 on the family farm northeast of DuBois, NE. He was baptized at DuBois United Methodist Church on October 19, 1930. He grew up with nine siblings and graduated from DuBois High School in May 1946. In December 1948, he became a member of Friedens United Church of Christ, where he served as a church council member for several years and volunteered with church activities, especially preparation for the annual ice cream social and mowing the church cemetery and lawn in the summer.

Dean married Loree Marjorie Hess on June 6, 1948 at Friedens United Church of Christ. The couple worked side by side; raised three sons and two daughters and celebrated 71 years of marriage.

Dean spent most of his life on their family farm north of Seneca, Kansas. Dean was a lifelong farmer, raising cattle, hogs, and crops. He always said that farming was his hobby, but he also enjoyed the many sporting events and school activities that his children and grandchildren participated in. Dean served as the Nemaha Township Treasurer for many years. As a young couple, Dean and Loree enjoyed square dancing and playing cards with friends. Retirement allowed him and Loree the freedom to travel, where they enjoyed touring the United States on many bus tours. Dean spent the last three years residing at Crestview Nursing & Residential Living in Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Lavinna Thiemann, Margaret Korber, Horace “Stub” Farwell, Laura Meier, Jennie Boehmer, Alberta Koester, Ida Kanel Gilbert and Roy Farwell.

He is survived by sons, Rex (Deb) Farwell of Seneca, Terry (Nanette) Farwell of Seneca, Mark (Sandy) Farwell of Seneca; daughters, Rita (LaVern) Grose of Bern and Ronda (Alan) Haverkamp of Bern; sibling, Richard Farwell of DuBois, NE; 16 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at Friedens United Church of Christ, Bern, KS. A visitation will be held at Lauer Funeral Home on Monday, October 21^st from 5-8 P.M. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be left to Friedens Church or Nemaha Valley Community Hospital (NVCH).