Dean A. Pihl

Dean A. Pihl, age 87, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He was born Feb. 9, 1938 and lived most of his life on the Centennial family farm. The son of Ernest H. and Marion Jean (Hain) Pihl, Dean graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1956. He married Claudia Smith on October 4, 1968. They enjoyed 57 years together. A professional semi truck driver, Dean began operating farm tractors at age six. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Reserves, and his community driving his tractor and hay wagon for children during VBS, and helping with AWANAS at the Congregational Christian Church. Dean served on local community boards, and was a member of Christian organizations. He was an active supporter of his grandchildren’s activities following their band, acting, and sporting events. He loved gathering with family and friends for cards, games, food, riding horses, and golf. Dean was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Donald and Douglas Pihl, and his sister Joyce Cole. He is survived by his wife Claudia of Davis Junction; daughters Theresa “Terri” (Richard) Fritz of Stillman Valley; Tonya (Randy) Kaczmarzyk of Davis Junction; Staci (John) Pierce of Stillman Valley; and Kristi (Ben) Youman of Davis Junction; sisters Marion Lingel of Rockford; and Betsy Smith of Dekalb; grandchildren Brittany Keyes-Elfstrom (Doug); Cameron Wills (Lisa); Drew Philip (Ancil); Brent Pierce; Katarina Voiles (Bryant); Zachary Kaczmarzyk; Nate Youman; Nick Youman; Kate Youman; and honorary grandchild Erika Zabre; great grandchildren Caroline and Luca Elfstrom; Gabriel and Isaac Philip; Aemon and Desmond Wills; and Brighton Voiles; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday, October 17, 2025 at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 136 W. Roosevelt Rd., Stillman Valley, IL 61084 from 4-7 PM. Funeral service will be held at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 18, 2025 with Pastor Becky Erbe officiating. Burial will follow the service on Saturday at the Big Mound Cemetery. A memorial fund is established for the Big Mound Cemetery.