Dean Thomas Steichen

Our precious baby boy, Dean Thomas Steichen, was born on October 20, 2025, and gently passed away on October 30, 2025, from complications of a pre-birth traumatic brain injury with an unknown cause. Though his time with us was brief, Dean’s life was filled with immeasurable love, hope, and grace. Upon his death, Dean was able to donate his heart, allowing for numerous miraculous healings of other children.

Dean is the beloved son of Laura and Thomas Steichen (Huntersville, NC), and the cherished little brother of Natalie Steichen. He is survived by and deeply loved and mourned by his parents, sister, grandparents Roberta and Roy Backus (North Branch, MN) and Lynn and David Steichen (Prior Lake, MN), his great-grandmother Jeanette Steichen (St. Cloud, MN), his aunts and uncles Amy and John Spivey (Chaska, MN), Steven and Paula Steichen (Sergeant Bluff, IA) and Kara and Sean Hendrickson (Knoxville, TN), and his five cousins.

Dean’s short life touched many hearts, and his family will forever carry his memory as a reminder of pure love and innocence.

It is with gratitude we want to acknowledge Dean’s incredible medical care team at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital and all those who have showered Dean and his family with prayers, presence, gifts and love. Dean’s family appreciates it all more than you will ever know.

A funeral service will be held to celebrate Dean’s life at St. Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville, North Carolina, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the funeral mass beginning at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that loved ones honor Dean by offering donations to LifeShare Carolinas Organ Donation, in his memory.

Though his life was short, his love will last forever in our hearts.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services is caring for the family. Condolences may be shared online at www.kepnerfh.com