Dixon Zander Obituary

Dixon Zander, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Madrid, Iowa.

Dixon was born June 16, 1940, in Sumner, Iowa to William and Dora (Zell) Zander. He grew up working on the family farm. Dixon graduated from Sumner High School in 1958. He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching. He also participated in track and field where he held the record for pole vaulting for many years.

Dixon married Barbara Hanifan on June 10, 1962, in Toledo, Iowa and they made their home in Madrid. From this union three daughters were born, Shari, Tami and Jodi. He taught Physics and Chemistry at Walnut and Madrid High School. He coached girls and boys basketball and golf and officiated football games. He retired in 2004, after 42 years.

Dixon enjoyed golfing, bowling and spent many years doing construction during his summers. He always had some of his students working with him. He built a total of 18 houses and many other projects.

Dixon is survived and lovingly remembered by his three daughters, Shari Zander of Madrid, Tami (John) Welter of Mitchellville and Jodi Zander of Madrid; seven grandchildren, Casey, Jasey, Lacey, Acey, Tawni, Tessa and Sierra; four great grandchildren, Mikael, Dominic, Alekk and Tulsa; his siblings, Corliss Streinz of Sarasota, Florida, Jennifer Rieger of Waverly and David (Janet) Zander of Williston, North Dakota.

Dixon was welcomed into heaven by his parents and his wife, Barbara.

Visitation for friends and family will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, at Iles Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Chapel, 202 S. Market Street, Madrid and 10:00 - 11:00 AM Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 104 S. Market Street, Madrid. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Livestreaming and recording can be viewed at www.ilesFuneralHomes.com on Dixon's obituary page, one hour prior to the service. Private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for Dixon Zander memorial for a later designation.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Chapel, Madrid