Dee lived his entire life in Arcola and was married to Brenda Biggs on June 29, 1958. Only once did he consider moving away. Dee and Brenda were in the process of purchasing a business in a town about thirty minutes away from Arcola. As they were driving to sign the papers for acquisition of the business Dee told Brenda that he couldn’t leave his hometown, and she apparently agreed. At that point they turned around and returned to Arcola. That decision was one of the best things that ever happened to Arcola.

Dee was born on April 26, 1938 the son of Paul “P.A.” and Marline Lindenmeyer. His parents had moved to Arcola from Nebraska in the early 1930’s and P.A. purchased the Arcola Record Herald in 1936. Following graduation from AHS in 1956, Dee attended Eastern Illinois University where he studied journalism, was a member of the EIU Golf Team and Sigma Pi Fraternity. After two years of coursework he transferred to the Indiana Mortuary School where he obtained a degree in Mortuary Science and obtained his funeral director license. He then studied insurance and got an insurance license and entered the Property & Casualty, Life & Health Insurance in 1960. In 1976 Dee became owner of Lindenmeyer Insurance until his death in 1995. As a result of his expertise in the field, Dee received awards from many insurance companies as a Distinguished Agent. He was a board member and President of the Illinois Farm Insurance Agents Association.

While in high school Dee was very active in extracurricular activities. He played for legendary Coach Lou Baker participating in football, basketball and track. He was an end on the undefeated football teams of 1954 and 1955. He was also a starter for Coach Baker’s basketball teams. However, Dee stated in the 1956 Torch that golf was his favorite sport. He was a class officer all four years, in the class play, Torch staff, Camera Club, Letterman’s Club, Arco-Lite and Chorus. During the summers in high school and college, Dee worked at Kaskaskia Country Club and at the funeral home for Fred Shrader.

Dee’s involvement in civic organizations and community service is extensive. He worked hard to make the Broom Corn Festival a success. Dee was a Charter Member of the World Famous Lawn Rangers. He was a member of the Arcola Fire Department, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Christian Church member, elder and deacon. He was the chairman of the Arcola swimming pool fund drive, served on many committees for the city and the school. He coached youth baseball and basketball teams, was an announcer for Purple Rider football and basketball games. Dee was always looking for ways to make Arcola better and attract new businesses. On more than one occasion Dee and some partners made it possible for others to start a business and be successful.

Dee and Brenda were instrumental in Arcola having a high school baseball team in the 1980’s as they funded the rebirth of the program. Dee also provided funds for new football lights in 1983 in memory of his father. These gifts and many others were anonymous.

Dee and Brenda have four boys, Mitch, Mike, Andy and Jeff. All four attended Arcola schools and were successful athletes playing on some outstanding Purple Rider football and basketball teams. In addition they have eleven grandchildren and one great grandson.

Dee was one of Arcola’s most loyal supporters and advocates. Dee could have easily been known as Mr. Arcola and is most deserving of the Distinguished Alumni recognition.