Dean Remy, age 93, of Albia, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Comfort House in Pella after a sudden and brief illness. Dean was born on January 9, 1933, in Albia, IA to Dale M. and Jessie (Samuel) Remy. He grew up and attended school in Albia, graduating with the Class of 1950. It was during his junior year that he met his soulmate, Virginia Streeby, when she moved to Albia. Dean and Virginia were married on August 23, 1953, in Fairfield, IA and had two daughters, Debbie and Kim. They shared 65 years of marriage before Virginia’s passing in 2019.
Dean started working at the Hy-Vee in Albia shortly after his graduation where he stayed until his retirement in 1990. He missed the interactions with customers and relationships with fellow workers and decided to go back and work part-time as needed for many years after that.
Dean enjoyed playing pool and billiards at Pat’s Pool Hall, and many people say he was the best billiards player in Albia at the time. He also looked forward to his stops at the American Legion over the years where he would catch up with his “Legion buddies” both young and old.
Dean was very active with the Masonic Lodge in Albia and held a state Masonic office for some time. He loved to hunt small game and was quite the fisherman. He enjoyed those times with his local fishing buddies at the Albia reservoir or at any pond or Lake Rathbun. He was still fishing with his family at the age of 90.
Dean and Virginia enjoyed going to local auctions to find antiques and refinished and restored many pieces, accumulating great collections. After retirement they traveled across many states to buy and would sell at several markets and on Ebay. Their daughters and grandchildren now cherish many of their treasures and collections.
Dean spent his last three years at Homestead Assisted Living in Albia where great care was provided and good friendships were made.
Dean is survived by his two daughters, Debbie (Dan) Sabers and Kim (Corey) Sawatzky; 6 grandchildren, Brian Sabers, Michael (Alissa) Sabers, Molly (Nathan) Trimble, Kelly (Jay) Montgomery, Derek Sawatzky, and Jeff (Melissa) Sawatzky; 13 great-grandchildren, Hadlee Sabers, Emma, Abigail, Sadie and Margaret Sabers, Hunter, Noelle and Hank Trimble, Jayvion, Jaxon, Josie and Jonah Montgomery, and Declan Sawatzky, brother-in-law Bill Sinclair and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, siblings and in-laws Dale Remy, Jr (Corabelle), Irma (Joe) Emanuel, Nita (Ed) Nedderman and Doris Sinclair; and a great grandchild, Will Sawatzky.
A private graveside service will be held at the Hiteman Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Comfort House in Pella, IA.
