Dean Hauptli

MORTON – Dean A. Hauptli, 83, of Morton, passed away peacefully Monday, November 14, 2022, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Dean was born on April 6, 1939, in Cissna Park, IL, to Eugene and Irene (Alt) Hauptli. He married Charlene Gerdes on June 16, 1963, in Onarga, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Charlene Hauptli of Morton; one son, Allan Hauptli of Naperville, IL; two daughters, Dawn (Larry) Postlewait of Morton, IL and Tonya Vincent of Cumming, GA; grandchildren, Brynn Hauptli of Naperville, IL, Kyra Postlewait of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Macy Postlewait of St. Louis, MO, Brennan Vincent of Ft. Myers, FL, and Carli Vincent of Statesboro, GA; brother, Jerry (Callie) Hauptli; sister, Shirley Krumwiede; and sister-in-law, Nancy Hauptli.

Dean was preceded in death by one brother, Wayne Hauptli and one brother-in-law, Ronald Krumwiede.

Dean enjoyed golfing with the “guys” and Char, especially among their many travel destinations, fishing, gardening, and woodworking.  He also loved to spend time with his family and friends, and was an especially proud husband, father and grampa.  His grandkids brought many moments of joy to him.

Dean worked as a carpenter in Cissna Park with his dad and brothers in the family contracting business during high school, college and after attending the University of Illinois, but moved to Morton to work at Caterpillar as an engineer once he and Char started a family.  He was a loyal and steadfast employee for 30 years and was fortunate to retire as a Superintendent at 57 years old. While at Caterpillar, he developed many lifelong friends that he cherished and enjoyed spending time with during his retirement years.

Dean particularly enjoyed traveling with Char during retirement, and often times with friends and family, including spending winters in FL for the past 25 years. 

He was an active volunteer in his church and community in the years before retirement.

He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton.

Dean was always ready with a story about his escapades during high school and college and willing to “one-up” his children and grandchildren with his mischievous antics.  He was always generous with his time and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it or asked.  He will be remembered as a man of integrity and fairness by his family.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, with Pastor Jeff Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.