My dad, Herbert Dean, was waiting for the snow to melt so he and my mother, Marie Dean could leave Florida and come back north to their family and friends. But on Sun, Mar 23, in the wee sleeping hours of the morning, dad went farther north than Michigan and into the arms of the Lord.
He had just turned 70 on Valentine's Day. He had been a brick and stone mason, enjoying retirement. He served in the Army stateside during WWII. He was the third generation to call Kalkaska County home. He was the youngest of 12 brothers and sisters born to Wilburt "Clyde" and Rosetta Hausner Dean.
He is survived by his brother Oscar of Florida and Jeddo. Also surviving are his wife, Marie, and children: Linda Worth of Kalkaska, Susan (Don) Austin of Bellaire, Larry (Deb) of CA, Gary (Nora) of Imlay City, Hazel (Dan) Young of Romeo; grandchildren Anne (Tom) Ziel of Pigeon, Eileen (Corey) Bailey of Lake Odessa, Lynne (Brad) Hawes of Lansing, Christie (Eric) Ziesmer of Elk Rapids, April, Scott, Katie, and Larry of CA, great grandchildren Billy and Alyssa Comai of Pigeon, Nole Bailey of Lake Odessa, Sage and Erica and Kirstin Ziesmer of Elk Rapids.
A granddaughter, Susan Lynn Worth, preceded him in death. He will be put to rest next to her in Lodi in May when the snow melts.
He was a husband, a dad, a papa, and a friend.
Visitation will be Wed, Mar 26, 2-5 and 6-8pm at Wolfe Funeral Home.
Services will be Thursday at 11 am with Mark McCool officiating.
