Floyd Deets

Surrounded by members of his family and his devoted wife of 68 years, Floyd Henry Deets passed away on Friday, January 31, 2014 at the age of 92.

Funeral Services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2014 with the funeral beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Floyd was born on August 1, 1921 at his family's home on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. He was raised by his father, Henry Floyd Deets and his mother, Mabel Gift Deets, along with his brother, Ralph Henry Deets. Growing up, Floyd experienced the fairgrounds as his playground. At a very early age, the fairgrounds also became his place of work where he developed a wide range of talents, skills, and responsibilities. At the age of 20, Floyd proudly served his country for 39 months in the U.S. Army Engineers. Twenty four of those months were spent in Europe. Upon his return, he married his East High School sweetheart, Helen Elizabeth (Clausen) Deets.

Following in his father's footsteps, Floyd accepted the job of Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in 1946. With Helen at his side, Floyd faithfully served in that capacity until his retirement in 1985. Following retirement, Floyd and Helen continued their service to the state fair community, volunteering countless hours developing and supporting the building and preservation of state fair history at the Iowa State Fair Museum.

Floyd was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was well known for his genuine kindness, quick wit, and sense of humor.

Floyd is survived by his loving family: his devoted wife, Helen Elizabeth Deets; his two sons, Ted Henry Deets (Sue Cameron Deets) and Thomas Floyd Deets (Eleanor Martin Deets); his grandchildren: Daniel Wilson Deets (Katherine Dorothy Deets), Adam Clinton Deets (Brooke Katte Deets), Erin Deets Cummings (Mark Cummings), Ryan Lee Deets (Paige Miller Deets), Emily Jean Visser (Daniel Charles Visser), and Lindsey Deets Olsen (Christopher Wayne Olsen); and great grandchildren: Claire Sophia Cummings, Eli Wells Deets, Peyton Olivia Cummings, Grace Samantha Deets, and Morgan Paige Deets.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mabel Deets and his brother, Ralph Deets.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Floyd.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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