John Dean

john dean
John S. Dean, 78, of Fargo, ND died Thursday, August 7, 2009 at Innovis Health in Fargo, ND. John was born on August 3, 1931 to Floyd S. and Marguerite (Fox) Dean. John attended and graduated from Hatton High School. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1953. While at NDSU he served as student body president, ROTC Cadet Colonel, was a member of the ATO fraternity and was active in other campus groups. After graduation John returned to Hatton where he began farming. On July 9, 1956 John married Mary Kathryn (Kay) Kelly. He continued his farming operation until his retirement in 1991. Kay passed away on February 5, 2003. John was very active throughout his life in many organizations. He served as a director of Garrison Diversion for 28 years and he was on the boards of the Upper Missouri Water Users Association and the US Water Congress. While serving he received many awards including the ND Water Wheel Award. John was also involved in many quarter horse associations and agricultural organizations and was a past president of the Northwest Farm Managers. John was a passionate alumnus of NDSU. Upon his retirement he returned to Fargo where he dedicated much of his time to raising funds for his alma mater. He was a past president of the President’s Agriculture Club, served on the Development Foundation Board of Trustees, the Alumni Center Project Steering Committee and the NDSU President’s Old Main Society. He was a member of Team Makers and various other clubs. He received many awards for his efforts including a Gold President’s Medallion, a Harvest Bowl Honoree, an Alumni Agriculturalist Award and a Development Foundation Service Award. In 2007 he was proud to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Agriculture. John married Geraldine Sunde on May 1, 2004. They shared a love for Bison athletics and remained active supporters throughout their marriage. John is survived by his wife, Gerry; daughters: Kathryn (Chuck Wolf) Dean of NYC, NY, Karen (Todd) Thingelstad of Grand Forks, ND and Susan Rick of Missoula, MT; grandchildren: Carolyn and Elise Dean-Wolf, Jessica, Kelly, Hannah and Peter Thingelstad and Jordan and Meagan Rick; his stepsons: Larry (Jackie), David (Cindy) and Tim (Anita) Sunde. He is also survived by two sisters: Doris Martin and Jeanette (Mick) Evenson and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kay; and son-in law, Tom Stenmo. Funeral: Monday, August 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fargo, ND. Visitation: Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. Prayer Service: Sunday at 7:00 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. Burial: Monday at 4:00 pm at Calvary Cemetery in Grand Forks, ND. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Please feel free to sign our online guest book at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

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