Dean Beninga

Dean A. Beninga, 61, of Ankeny, formerly of Dike, died Friday, May 4, 2018 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines.

Dean was born on May 23, 1956, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, son of Bernard and Betty (Webrand) Beninga. He graduated from Dike High School in 1974.

Dean owned The Skyway restaurant in Reinbeck, Iowa for many years before owning the Lincoln Inn and the Skyway Steakout in Cedar Falls. Dean sold cars for John Deery in Cedar Falls and in Pleasant Hill. He had a smile and a voice that was recognized by many. Everywhere he went, a conversation followed! Dean’s last year was spent as an Uber driver in the Des Moines area. He loved meeting new people and telling tales from his trips.

Dean loved Christian music, dinners out with family and his cat; but most of all, he loved to show off his grandkids. He attended dance competitions and recitals and told every person he met how talented, smart and beautiful they were!

Dean is survived by his daughter, Brooke (Bill) Knudten, three granddaughters, Kylie, Caitlin and Isabella; sisters Eileen (Diane Ernst) Beninga and Jean (Leon) Meester and brothers Les Beninga and Byron (Patty) Beninga. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sonia Derrick.

The burial for Dean will take place at the Elmwood Cemetery in Dike, Iowa at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 9th. Friends may also visit the family on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at City Hall in Dike, from 5:00-7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa. The Ernst Funeral Home assisted the family with funeral arrangements in Waukee and the Engelkes-Abels Dike Chapel is assisting the family with local arrangements. For further assistance, you may call the Dike Funeral Chapel at (319) 989-2045.