Dean Lowell Gallup

Dean Gallup, age 90, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton. 

Dean Lowell Gallup was born May 27, 1935 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Winfield and Florence (Miles) Gallup. He was baptized on June 14, 1936 and confirmed on April 13, 1952 at the Methodist Church in Sauk Centre, MN. Dean grew up and went to school in Sauk Centre, graduating in 1953.

Following graduation, he entered the US Army in February of 1954. He was stationed at a Niki Base in San Francisco, California. Dean was honorably discharged in February of 1956.

Dean entered the Minnesota State Patrol in 1957 and worked until 1990 when he retired. He was stationed in Onamia for six months, and the rest of the time in Traverse and Big Stone Counties.

Dean married Beverly Jean Bartz on October 12, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, with Rev. Palmer Ruschke officiating.

Dean served on the Wheaton Hospital Board for ten years and as County Commissioner for eight years from 1997-2004. He also worked for Warehouser Lumber Company and Longview Fiber Company in Longview, Washington. Dean developed the first mobile home park in Wheaton. He also bought and remodeled the old 1st State Bank building and developed it into office space; and later into an apartment. He worked part-time for Elmer Olson Construction and Whaley Excavating. Dean received a citation of honor from then Governor Rudy Perpich for his part in a frigid water rescue of a family on Lake Traverse after their boat had overturned. He was also a member of the Merton Dale American Legion Post #80.

Dean and Bev lived in Wheaton until March 1988; then they moved to Dumont where they lived until 1996, and then they returned to Wheaton. Dean entered the Traverse Care Center on June 27, 2023 with dementia/Alzheimer’s.

Dean is survived by his wife, Beverly Gallup of Wheaton; nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Winfield and Florence Gallup; twin brother David Gallup and brother Lynn Gallup.

A Memorial Lunch for Dean Gallup will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at noon at the Wheaton American Legion. A Private family service will be held.