Dean Uebel passed away peacefully at his home in O'Fallon on August 22, 2022, surrounded by people he loved dearly. He had fought a brave 2-year battle against cancer.

He was born on August 13, 1950 in Saint Paul, Minn. to Lawrence and Marie (Westphal) Uebel. As the child of a military family, he spent his youth in many different places in opposite corners of the country. In 1965 his father was transferred to Scott AFB, Ill., and the family bought a home in nearby O'Fallon. He remained there when his father was transferred to South Carolina, and O'Fallon has been his home ever since.

For many years, Dean made his living as a truck driver. He later returned to school to train to become an aircraft mechanic. Dean first worked for Trans World Airlines and later American Airlines. He then was hired as a civilian contractor at Scott AFB, where he remained until his retirement. In 2003 he was deployed to Qatar to help support the Air Force's mission in the Middle East.

Dean loved boating, camping and spending time with his many dear friends. As a young man, he was also a competitive swimmer. Dean truly knew how to enjoy life fully and was known as a loyal friend who wouldn't hesitate to do what he could to help a friend in need. He bravely fought his illness and maintained a positive attitude throughout.

He is survived by his sister, Helen Doolittle, of Sacramento, Calif.; his brother Robert of Rio Rancho, N.M.; and his nephew, Christopher Doolittle of Port Orchard, Wash.; and a long list of treasured friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Marie, as well as his niece Jennifer Doolittle-Hioki earlier this year.

Dean's family would like to thank his many friends who visited him in his final days and those who were with him when he passed. Even as his health continued to deteriorate, his spirits were lifted while visiting with good friends. We are particularly grateful to Gayle Sibert Keniley and Donna Dugan for their unwavering help and support over the course of Dean's illness. His sister Helen provided amazing care, support and love during Dean's final weeks, and at the end she was supported by the good people at the Hospice of Southern Illinois.

For those who would like to remember Dean with a charitable donation, the family suggests a contribution in his name to either Belleville Area Humane Society or the Siteman Cancer Center in O'Fallon . Share your favorite memories of Dean and wfh-ofallon.com

Dean, the time has come to get your boat in the water and sail free. Your family and friends will always keep your memory close to their hearts, and we celebrate your life that was full of love, friendship and good times.

Visitation: 2- 5 pm, Sunday, August 28, 2022 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home.

Funeral: 11 am, Monday, August 29, 2022 at the funeral home with Rev. Christy Eckert officiating. Burial will follow at O'Fallon City Cemetery, O'Fallon, Ill.