Dean Mitzner

The funeral service for Dean Mitzner, 85, of Balaton, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Balaton.  Visitation will be Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Balaton.  Visitation will continue on Monday from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.  Interment with military honors will follow the service at St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in Balaton.  A recording of the service will be available at www.horvathfuneralservice.com.

Dean George Mitzner was born on July 2, 1938, in Tyler, MN, to George and Lois (Manguson) Mitzner.  He grew up in Balaton and graduated from Balaton High School.  After high school, Dean farmed with his family.  Later, he enlisted and served in the U.S. National Guard.   On July 26, 1967, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Jeske at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Balaton.  The couple farmed and raised their family west of Balaton.  In addition to farming, Dean had a lifelong passion for flying.  He was a flight instructor and flew UPS Freight for Bemidji Airlines.  He was a man of many talents and interests.  He enjoyed electronics and operated a television and radio repair shop.   He also did the electrical wiring on the new portion of his home.  He also sold agricultural and property insurance.  Dean was an active member of his community.  He enjoyed bee keeping, reading, and was a member of a card club, the Historical Society and the U.S. American Legion.  He served on the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Council for over sixty years including several years as Council President.

Dean died on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, under hospice care at his residence in Balaton.  He is survived by daughter Kelley (Terry) Schallert of LaCrosse, WI; grandchildren Tiffany (Daniel) Martinez, Stephanie Schallert, Courtney (Barry) Vaaler, Stephen (Michelle) Schallert; son Kraig Mitzner of Silverdale, WA; grandchildren Stephen (Kristina) Mitzner, Chelsey (Tony) Scotti; daughter Karen Mitzner (Randy) of Burnsville; grandchildren Katherine Mitzner, Kirk Mitzner, Nicole Mitzner; son Jon Mitzner of Balaton, daughter Kay Mitzner of Burnsville, daughter Joy (Eric) McKenzie of Sartell; grandchildren Amelia McKenzie and Matthew McKenzie; great-grandchildren Gabriel Martinez, Josafina Schallert, Lilah Mitzner, Theodore Mitzner, Skye Scotti, Noah Scotti; brother Gary (Carol) Mitzner of Sequim, WA, sister Joan Baack of Balaton, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis, and daughter-in-law Jody Mitzner.