Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1942
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Dean Obituary
Michael Henry Dean
May 16, 1942 - February 14, 2021
Michael Henry Dean, 78, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2021 at Hospice Alliance/Hospice House from a brain tumor.
Mike was the youngest of twins born to Milton C. Dean, Sr., and Shirley (Jacobs) Dean on May 16, 1942 at St. Catherine's Hospital in Kenosha. He spent his formative years at McKinley Elementary and Junior High Schools. Mike graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1960 and attended what was then called the Extension (U.W.-Parkside) for two years. Until Mike left for college, he spent his summers honing his math and people skills while working at his dad's fruit market. Mike went on to get a bachelor's degree in education and his master's degree from UW-Whitewater. Mike made Janesville, WI his home where he taught 6th grade at Madison Elementary, Monroe Elementary, and later at Franklin Middle School. He married Anna Moss and they had two children, Steve and Katie.
It was during his 38-year career teaching Social Studies that Mike's talents really blossomed. He was known for his creative and immersive units, for making his classrooms fun, and for taking time for each student. Whether it was opening the gym for students to play basketball before school, coaching after school, or lending a sympathetic ear to a student in need, Mike was deeply involved in student lives inside the classroom and out.
Mike's son Steve started a group called "Mr. Dean Memories" on Facebook in November for Mike's former students to post comments and memories about him. To date, more than 1,200 members have posted including students, parents of students, and former colleagues. One of his former students commented (in relation to his teaching style), "Part Socratic method, part Evangelist, and part Broadway actor."
Mike's creativity and excellence in teaching earned him Teacher of the Year twice in Janesville. Mike was also a recipient of the Herbert Kohl Fellowship, recognizing teaching excellence and innovation in Wisconsin. He also started College for Kids in the Janesville area.
Upon retirement, Mike moved back to Kenosha and jumped into life in his hometown with characteristic enthusiasm. He became a volunteer at the Kenosha Public Museums, as well as becoming a museum board member and serving on his condo association board. Always a teacher, Mike held the attention of hundreds of elementary students with his knowledge of the woolly mammoth. He also taught lessons on sign language, a skill he learned in order to communicate with his hearing-impaired daughter. Mike also served on the Bradford Alumni Board and was employed part-time as a bailiff at the Kenosha County Courthouse. He was well-known for his witty My Turn columns and Voice of the People letters in the Kenosha News.
Mike looked forward to getting together every summer with his high school classmates, doing yoga at least twice a week, playing men's senior baseball in Racine, and listening to live music by the lakefront with Wendy. Visits from his children included philosophical discussions with Steve, walks on the lakefront, and making crafts with Katie. He was known for his beautiful smile, his pride in being a "lefty", and as a lifetime "die hard" Cubs fan.
Mike is survived by his son, Steven Michael Dean (Kristi Ackerman), of Edgerton, WI, his daughter, Katherine Emily Dean, of Whitewater, WI, and his fiancée, Wendy Taylor, of Kenosha. He is also survived by his twin brother Milton (Jackie) Dean, Jr., his sister, Sheryl Becker, and his brother Douglas (Corinne) Dean, of Whitefish Bay, WI, as well as several nieces and nephews, and his former wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Robert W. Becker.
Funeral services honoring Michael's life will be held privately. The service may be viewed via livestream on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. on the following link facebook.com/PiaseckiFuneralHome/live/ You do not need Facebook to watch. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorial remembrances may be made in Mike's name to Kenosha Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158, or the Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave., Kenosha, WI, 53140 or Special Olympics Wisconsin, 2310 Crossroads Drive, Suite 1000, Madison, WI 53718.
Mike's family wishes to thank the nurses and personnel of Kenosha Hospice Alliance who treated him with such kindness and compassion, as well as the doctors and nurses at Froedtert Hospitals in Milwaukee and Kenosha.
What we are is God's gift to us; What we become is our gift to God.
Piasecki Funeral Home & Cremation Services
3720 39th Avenue 262-658-4101
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Dean
Jim Holsapple (Boston MA)
June 8, 2022
Mr. Dean (I never knew his first name) was my teacher in the 6th grade at Monroe Elementary in Janesville Wisconsin in 1969. He was a young man in his mid-twenties at the time. It is no exaggeration to say that he has always loomed large in my mind. I recall a highly energized and socially conscious man who conveyed respect for his students and expected the best from us. He was not shy to praise or criticize. He was a man of conscience and taught us to be conscious and conscientious before we knew what those words meant. He continues to walk in our dreams, whispering "carry on" --- never forgotten, always at the edges of our thoughts.
He lived.
Bob Laudonio
February 25, 2021
I new Mike for many years. His brother Milt and my cousin would play basketball at McKinley school playground even if weather conditions were not conducive. Always enjoyed conversing with him.I wish we would have had more times together. Will be sadly missed.
Shawn LaDuke
February 23, 2021
I will very much miss Mike's great smile, he was and is a gem.
A yoga friend
February 23, 2021
The last time I saw Mike was in yoga class a year ago. Most often and whenever I could, I would throw my mat down next to his, and sometimes he even had one waiting for me. He had such a kind spirit, and someone with whom I always looked forward to talking to after class. Covid changed the world and our yoga routine, and I just recently heard of Mike´s illness. I am so sorry that Mike had to deal with this tragic malady. Mike and his kind jesters will always be missed. With love and sympathy to his loved ones.
Melissa Westland
February 22, 2021
My deepest most heartfelt sympathy on Mike´s passing. Know you´re in my thoughts & prayers.
Ed Carlson
February 21, 2021
Mike was one of the best friends i had or ever will have. I loved him like a brother. He was such a wonderful guy who loved my family and showed up for all our important functions. I got to know his sister and her husband as well as his brother Milt. There are 2 guys with a sharp whit and a mutual love of teaching and the Cubs. Mike's love of teaching and learning never left him. We met at the museum and made sure we worked the same days. We often got laughing until we were both out of breath with tears running down our faces. Whenever I was feeling low a call to Mike would always brighten my day. I have always believed if you have five very close friends you are a lucky man. Mike was one of those to me. When Wendy entered his life Mike became a horse owner. He had his horse Skip who always needed extra attention. I used to tease Mike that Skip was in reform school. That was sure to get him laughing . Mike was dedicated to his kids and spoke lovingly of them. I got to know Katie pretty well a and he would often bring her over when she visited. I will never know another man like Mike. He was unique and loved by all who knew him. When he told me of his diagnosis his first concern to me was the effect on his family. Not surprising if you knew Mike. It's just who he was. I will miss you brother and always love you. Ed
Alisa Ruffolo Taleronik
February 21, 2021
Very happy to have met and worked with Michael on the Bradford Alumni board, he had a wonderful Smile and a helping heart ... he will be missed...
Joyce & Ozzie Sorensen
February 21, 2021
Michael will be missed by so many. What a great human being! I will miss our many chats at Common Grounds and the many laughs we shared! We will miss him being a part of the Bradford Alumni Association Board; his assistance on awarding many Bradford senior student scholarships over the years was greatly appreciated. RIP.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Dean's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Dean
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Dean's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
