Dale Thomas Dean

Dale Thomas Dean, beloved husband, father, brother and grand-father died after a courageous battle with bladder cancer at his home on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born on October 17, 1936 in Merrill to the late James and Bernadetta (Francis) Dean. He graduated from Midland High School in 1955. Following graduation he served two years as a Specialist in the United States Army. On June 16, 1962, Dale and Judith Keizer of Grand Rapids were married in Sanford.

Dale, along with his mother and brother, owned and operated 4D Inc., a family business. Dale then, in 1963, purchased and successfully ran the company until his retirement in June of 1999. Dale had a keen business sense and effectively used his experience as a member of the board of directors for Chemical Bank for 28 years. Dale was an active member of the National Concrete Masonry Association for over 25 years, Rotary Club, Elks Club, Safari Club International and the Central Michigan University Development Fund. He generously gave to the community in many ways, particularly Northwood University, where a ball field was dedicated and named the Dean Field. Dale also established a scholarship fund at the Alpena Community College to help students in financial need. He and his wife were active members of Memorial Presbyterian Church and gave charitably to many aspects involving the church. Dale touched the lives of many people and will be fondly remembered by those who knew him. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed nature to its fullest. Since retirement, his greatest joy was spending quality time with his grandchildren, camping, hunting and the overall enjoyment of the outdoors.

Dale is survived by his wife, Judith Dean of Midland; his daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Chris Rose of Cincinnati, OH and Heather and John Smith of Lakeland, FL; sister, Diane Dean of Midland; brother, Don Dean (Margaret) of Ceres, CA; his mother-in-law, Minnie Keizer of Grand Rapids; brother-in-law, John Keizer of Grand Rapids; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Linda Keizer of the Philippines; aunts and many nieces and nephews. Papa, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, will be forever missed by Taylor Dahley and Madison and Matthew Rose.

Dale was predeceased by his grandson, Brandon Dahley; his parents; step-father, Arthur Lewis; father-in-law, John Keizer; and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, July 17, 2006, from the Memorial Presbyterian Church. Rev. Wallace H. Mayton III will officiate with private interment to follow in the Midland Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by the U.S. Army. Dale's family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler St., on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. There will be no visitation at the church prior to services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are urged to consider the Chippewa Nature Center, the Memorial Presbyterian Church or MidMichigan Hospice.

If you cannot visit with the family in person, please send your condolences through www.waresmithwoolever.com