Dean A. Fankhauser - Estate Planning profile photo

Dean A. Fankhauser

Tigges, Bottaro & Lessmann, LLP • Sioux City, IA
Estate PlanningPersonal InjuryProbateReal EstateReal Estate Transactions

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Contact

Email
Phone
(712) 717-5407
Address
613 Pierce Street, Sioux City, IA, 51101, US

Professional

About

Dean A. Fankhauser is a dedicated attorney based in Sioux City, Iowa, with a strong foundation in estate planning and business law. Raised in the charming town of Chadron, Nebraska, Dean grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, which instilled in him a passion for helping businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College before pursuing his Juris Doctor at The University of South Dakota School of Law, where he graduated in 2014. During his time in law school, Dean distinguished himself by reaching the Elite 8 in the prestigious Sam Masten Appellate Advocacy Competition and completed an invaluable internship with the Federal Public Defender’s office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After obtaining his degree, Dean found his professional home in the Siouxland community, where he initially served as an associate attorney. His ambition led him to establish Fankhauser, Farrens & Rachel, PLC, a practice that thrived before merging with the well-respected Vriezelaar, Tigges, Edgington, Bottaro, Boden & Lessmann Law Firm in 2021. This merger opened new avenues for collaboration and growth, further enhancing the services offered to clients. Dean is licensed to practice in the United States Federal Court for the Northern District of Iowa, as well as in the state courts of Iowa and Nebraska. His expertise encompasses a wide range of legal areas, including comprehensive estate planning—covering wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and complex estate tax matters—as well as business and tax law, real estate transactions, probate, and guardianships. When he’s not advocating for clients, Dean cherishes time with friends and family, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. With a commitment to excellence and a genuine approach, Dean A. Fankhauser is your trusted partner for all estate planning and business law needs in Sioux City and beyond.

About Estate Planning Law

Estate planning attorneys help individuals plan for the distribution of their assets and care during incapacity. They create wills, trusts, and other documents to protect families and minimize taxes. Common matters include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives.

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Credentials

Education
2014 University of South Dakota School of Law JD - Juris Doctor 2012 Chadron State College BS - Bachelor of Science
Languages
English

Recognition & Involvement

Awards
2026 Ones to Watch in America for Real Estate Law, Best Lawyers 2026 Ones to Watch in America for Business Organizations, Best Lawyers 2026 Ones to Watch In America for Land Use and Zoning Law, Best Lawyers 2026 Ones to Watch in America for Trusts & Estates, Best Lawyers 2025 Ones to Watch in America for Real Estate Law, Best Lawyers
Publications
2022 bLAWg Different Types of Business Entities: Which One Is Right For Me? 2022 bLAWg Guardianships & Conservatorships for Adults 2022 bLAWg How Do Guardianships and Conservatorships Work and What Mechanisms Are Put Into Place To Prevent Abuse? 2021 bLAWg Adverse Possession...What Is It? 2017 Blog 3 Reasons Why You Should Have a Lawyer When Buying Your Home
Associations
2016 - Present Nebraska State Bar Association Member 2014 - Present Iowa State Bar Association Member 2014 - Present Woodbury County Bar Association Member 2014 - Present Iowa Lawyer Trust Association Member 2013 - 2014 Student Counseling Center Advisory Board (USD) Student Liaison
Speaking
2021 Court of Appeals Oral Arguments In re the Interest of Z.K., Minor Child
Updated: Mar 27, 2026