Dean Roland Hatcliff, 62, of Friend, NE passed away on June 27, 2024 in Lincoln, NE. Dean was born on September 20, 1961 in Crete, NE to Roland and Ruth (Henning) Hatcliff. He was baptized and confirmed at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete, NE. Dean went to Wilber-Clatonia High School and graduated with the class of 1979.  He continued his education at Southeast Community College in Milford earning a degree in Building Construction. After college, he went on to work for Schuerman Welding and Farmland Meats before eventually beginning a career at Nestle Purina where he spent the last 25 years being known as 'the favorite maintenance man'. In addition to his full-time job at Nestle Purina, he also worked as a farmer and cattleman. Dean was a good steward of the land and treasured his black Angus cattle.

On September 2, 2005, Dean was united in marriage to the love of his life Sharrie. With that came his favorite job and one in which he excelled at the most; being a father and grandfather. "Papa Dean" as he was known, looked forward to wrestling with his grandkids, going to their sporting events, putting on make-up, playing board games, "showing them the ropes" on the farm, and ATV rides with the sole purpose of seeing the joy in their faces. If you went anywhere with Dean, you better had planned to stay awhile because he was known to tell stories and play jokes on anyone. Dean knew everyone everywhere he went. He was a stranger to no one and a friend to everyone.

Dean is survived by his wife of 18 years Sharrie of Friend, NE; Children Chris (Megan) Goplin of Grand Island, NE; Kyle Goplin of Omaha, NE; Korey (Mckenzie) Goplin of York, NE; Grandchildren Harper Jade, Karsyn Rae, Wesley Dean, and Lainey Dee; Sister Marilyn Hatcliff of Crete, NE; brothers Jim and Al and a host of nieces and nephews. Dean is preceded in death by his parents Roland and Ruth Hatcliff; and grandparents Clyde and Lena Hatcliff, and Bill and Anna Henning.

Services are Tuesday (7/2/2024) at 10:30 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete.  Visitation is on Monday from 5 - 7 PM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete (no viewing at the church). In lieu of flowers, memorials are in care of the family for future designation.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.