Dean Ellis Grey

Dean Ellis Grey, age 86 of Madison Lake, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at his home, surrounded by family. 

Memorial service will be 11:00am at River of Life Lutheran Church, St. Peter, on January 2, 2026, with visitation one hour prior. Memorials can be directed to St. Croix Hospice, Mankato. 

Dean was born January 22, 1939 in Sioux Rapids, IA to Walter S. and Ruth D. (Fairchild) Grey. He attended Sioux Rapids Schools, graduating in 1958. He then enlisted in the US Army, spending time in Germany working on vehicles much like he did in his youth with his father, until being honorably discharged April 24, 1962. On December 21, 1963 Dean was united in marriage to Donna Turnwall at First Lutheran Church, Sioux Rapids. Dean worked several different jobs in their early years which led them to live in many locations. Ranging from a milkman, farm work to mechanical work with farm equipment and eventually owning Deans Standard in Estherville where they made their home. Dean was employed by John Morrell in Estherville, later moving to Sioux Falls, SD with the company before retiring in 2000. 

They then moved to St. Peter, where he worked for his son at Volk Electric, and later worked as a parts runner for Napa and then O'Reilly Auto Parts, as he did not enjoy sitting at home, before his final retirement in 2023. Dean loved working with wood and making things for his loved ones, from a rocking horse for each of his grandchildren, pull toys, wall hangings and shelves for his wife and kids. Dean was devoted to his family, and would do anything they requested without question. Retiring to the lake, he loved the family weekend in the summer when he could watch all the kids play in the lake, tubing or jet skiing, even getting on the jet ski himself and taking it for a ride. He will be remembered for always being willing to step in and help whoever and whenever needed. 

Left to remember Dean are his wife, Donna; children: Brian (Peggy) Grey, and Jana Grey; daughter-in-law Mary Grey; grandchildren: Kory (Breonna) Grey, Tyler (Abby) Grey, Ally (Sarah) Villarreal, Mitchell (Izzy) Covington, Kiersti (Bryce) Mamer, and Kaity Lewis; great-grandchildren: Zeplyn, Vallon, Ozzy, and Rhodes Grey, Elsie and Hudson Grey, Brinlee Mamer and Baby Villarreal; sister Rena (Don) Thompson; brother-in-law Jerry (Brenda) Turnwall; nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert in 2025, his parents and three brothers: Frederick, Keith, and Walter.