Dean Boyd

Tracy. (Harlan) Dean Boyd, 83, of Tracy, died Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Northern Mahaska Specialty Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born November 11, 1941, in Osceola, Iowa, the son of Harland Leon and Mary Berniece Page Boyd. He graduated from Tracy High School with the class of 1959. Following high school he attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa. On September 1, 1960, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Fay Boyd in Oskaloosa. Dean farmed near Tracy. In addition to farming, Dean went to work in the parts department at the Case IH Dealership in Oskaloosa and later owned and operated Boyd’s Grocery in Tracy from 1973-1975. Last he worked in the shipping department at Pella Corporation, retiring from there after 33 years of service. In retirement Dean and Fay opened B&B Creations in Tracy. This combined both of their favorite things, Fay’s love of quilting and Dean’s love of visiting. Dean and the family continued to operate the shop until January 2024. Dean enjoyed traveling, most of his journeys were road trips to see the countryside or a specific attraction. He loved the adventure and always looked forward to a train trip or being in an airplane. A few trips that were highlights for him were, a trip he and Fay took to the northeast and Canada, and the two trips he made to Denmark. He was an avid reader and had read over ten thousand books. Dean was devoted to the Tracy community he served over 20 years on the Clay Township Fire and Rescue and had his EMT certificate and was a member of the Tracy United Methodist Church where he served on the board and was a lay leader. Dean loved the farm; he kept tabs on what was happening on the farm when he was unable to help in the operation. He enjoyed antique equipment and always looked forward to a machinery auction where he may find a bargain. Most of all he enjoyed people. He looked forward to visiting with friends and family.

His family includes his three children and their spouses, Patricia and Bruce Brammer, Dennis and Marci Boyd and Trevor and Lisa Boyd; six grandchildren, Joshua (Tyler) Klobassa, Matthew (Whitney) Brammer, Michael Boyd, Stephanie (Mike) Welter, Mackenzie (Peter) Frederiksen, and Cheyenne (Ty) Boyd-Kelly; seven great grandchildren, Hannah, Cheyna and Sarah Brammer, Kadyn Boyd, Evie Bachman, George Welter, and Malahkai.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife of over 54 years, (Kathryn) Fay Boyd on February 1, 2014; his parents; and an infant son.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Tracy Community Church (formerly Tracy United Methodist Church) in Tracy with Chaplain Dan Van Kooten officiating. Burial will be in the Bellefountaine Cemetery. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday, December 17, 2024, after 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-8 Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Clay Township Fire and Rescue.