Gary Dean Longnecker

Gary "Dean" Longnecker, 78, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Dean was born February 26, 1948, in Ames, Iowa, to Edward and Kathryn (Wert) Longnecker. He grew up in Farrar with his older brother, Denny, and graduated from Bondurant-Farrar High School, where he played baseball and basketball. He went on to attend Iowa State University.

Dean began dating Sue Hart during her senior year of high school, while he was attending Iowa State. They married in 1969, and spent 56 years side by side. Truly each other's best friend, they loved each other deeply and were happiest together, whether going out to eat, socializing with friends, or watching sports.

Together they raised two sons, Scott and Joshua, and made homes in Ankeny, Iowa Falls, Denver, Kansas City, and Urbandale as Dean built a career as a CPA and CFO for a variety of companies.

Dean cherished time with his sons, whether enjoying life at his parents' farm, riding three-wheelers together, or coaching their Little League baseball teams. He was a passionate Iowa State fan who enjoyed attending Cyclone basketball and football games. He loved playing golf, and above all he loved attending anything his grandkids were involved in.

Dean is survived by his wife, Sue, of Johnston, Iowa; sons, Scott (Stephanie) Longnecker of Clive, Iowa, and Joshua (Lori) Longnecker of Granger, Iowa; grandchildren, Cassidy (Grant) Bunker of Gilbert, Arizona, Cade (Alexa) Longnecker of Urbandale, Iowa, Calysta Longnecker of Denver, Colorado, Jackson Longnecker of Ames, Iowa, Beau Longnecker of Granger, Iowa, and Cooper Longnecker of Granger, Iowa; and his brother, Denny (Barb) Longnecker of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Kathryn.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory (8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale). A private burial will follow. Dean's Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Cassidy, Cade, Calysta, Jackson, Beau, and Cooper.