Dean Williamson

VIEW SERVICE FOLDER

Dean Austin Williamson, a lifelong resident of Garretson, died peacefully at home with his wife, Helen, on December 10, 2015. He will be missed deeply by his wife Helen, daughter DaNann (Dan) Kistler of Hartford, and son Michael (Lindsey) Williamson of Portland, Maine, and sister Linda Devitt of Lakeville, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Doug.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am Thursday, December 17, 2015, at Split Rock Lutheran Church, rural Brandon. Burial will be in the West Palisade Cemetery, rural Rock County, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Wednesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 pm. Memorials may be directed to the Garretson American Legion.

Dean was born July 17, 1943, the son of Palmer & Ione. He grew up on the family homestead with his sister, Linda, and brother, Doug (Marilyn). A proud member of the GHS class of 1961, he went on to graduate from SDSU with honors. He met and married the love of his life, Helen, and spent many years together with lots of adventures and lots of laughs.

He taught high school for a few years before joining the Army. Dean later helped his Dad farm and began his career as a machinist at LG Everist. He retired from there after 26 years of service. He thought the world of the guys he worked with, and stopped to visit them often after retirement to offer his advice.

Dean was quick with a joke and loved to tell stories. He always joked that his parents had sent him to the store for a loaf of bread on his tricycle, and then they moved (one time they moved all the way to Texas). Another favorite was the practical joke he played at LG Everist with the possum in the box.

He always had a smile and had more friends than anyone could ever wish for. He would give the coat off his back to help someone, and looked forward to his trips with Helen to donate items to the Indian Reservation.

Dean spent 10 years racing at Interlakes Speedway and had many colorful stories to tell of his days there. He enjoyed Canadian fishing trips and deer hunting trips to the ranch in Meade County.

He was a proud member of the Garretson American Legion and had already ordered the oysters for stew in January. He was so proud of the baseball teams and followed their successes. He had played on the team back when Uncle Donnie had coached.

Following the service, please join us for a meal at the Legion to honor Dean. We always said they broke the mold when they made him. Dean was so proud of being from Garretson and we are so thankful for the kind words offered by everyone. He will be loved and missed a lot!