DEAN KEALY SPS Foundation Distinguished Alumni 2018
Launch the media gallery 1 playerDean was a 1969 graduate of Sutherland. He has been an entrepreneur many times over starting at the age of five sacking potatoes. This was the beginning of his association with the grocery industry and the Sutherland Community. In high school, he started Dean’s Bait Shop.
Dean received a basketball scholarship to play basketball for North Platte Junior College and graduated in 1971. His education then led him to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1973. Dean then entered into business, receiving top salesmen awards. In 1977, Dean returned to Sutherland, which led to developing many area businesses: Kealy’s Super Foods, Sportsman’s Complex and the Super Stop Convenience Store.
Dean’s career also included real estate purchases and construction. He developed Cherry Hills, building 42 homes and apartments, also storage units and a Subway. He also gifted the Sutherland community land for a family park. Dean’s visionary, progressive, and entrepreneurial spirit impacted the very blueprint of the Village of Sutherland, providing opportunities for others to live, invest, and thrive!