Earl Dean

September 1, 1927 - March 29, 2015

Visitation: Visitation will be Thursday from 2-8 p.m., family present from 6-8p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton. A Masonic service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Service: Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3 at Canton United Methodist Church.

Earl Dean, age 87, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Sanford Canton-Inwood Hospital.  Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3 at Canton United Methodist Church.  Visitation will be Thursday from 2-8 p.m., family present from 6-8p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.   A Masonic service will be held at 7:00 p.m.    In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Canton Student Loan Fund.

Earl William Dean was born on September 1, 1927 in Olivet, SD to William and Katie (Grim) Dean.  The family soon moved to Sioux Falls where Earl graduated from Washington High School in 1945.  He then attended Augustana College for a year before entering the Army.  Upon his discharge, he resumed his studies at USD, obtaining his Master’s in Education.  He married Mary McBride on November 22, 1951 in Sioux City, IA.

Earl began his lifelong career in education in Montrose, SD as a teacher and coach for 5 years.  He then moved to Marion, SD where he taught for a year and was superintendent for 4 years.  His career next brought him to Salem, SD for 7 year as superintendent and finally 20 years as the Canton, SD superintendent.

Earl was active in the Canton United Methodist Church.  He served as treasurer and was interested in the youth programs.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and loved to visit with people, especially at the coffee shop and senior center.  He was a 50+ year Mason, member of the Rotary, and was on the Canton Student Loan Fund Board.  He enjoyed and excelled at basketball in his high school and college days.  He also played softball in his younger years and was active in the YMCA, where he learned to play basketball as a kid.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 63 years, Mary;  sons, Terry, Gayville, SD and Todd, Canton, SD; daughter, Trudy (Kevin) Wicks, Reno, NV; grandchildren, Steve (Nacy) Dean, Travis Wicks (Lorena Valencia),  Tyler Wicks, Kayla Wicks, and Lynn VanSloten; great-grandchildren, Ella, Kaleb, and Kaylee; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Billy, two brothers, and 2 sisters.

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  1. Cam Lind on March 29, 2015 said:

    Mr. Earl Dean was the Supt. of schools when I graduated from Salem High School in 1963. He was a tough, but fair administrator and I am proud to count his as one of the people who helped form my life. Rest in peace. Mr. Dean.

  2. Sherry Davis on March 29, 2015 said:

    Mr. Dean was a wonderful man. He always made me feel good. I will miss him.
    Sherry

  3. Dolores Baker on March 30, 2015 said:

    “And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) I share this with you because it comforts me and my prayer is that it will do the same for you. May wonderful memories also make the days bearable.

  4. Renee Rebnord on March 30, 2015 said:

    I still remember my first interview with Mr. Dean who gave me my first job in teaching/coaching. He was so generous and supportive. I will always appreciate everything he did for me in those first years as a new teacher.
    Renee Rebnord

  5. Amy Higgins Kurnik on March 30, 2015 said:

    Dear Auntie Mary – we were so sad to learn of the passing of Uncle Earl. We all so very much enjoyed your visits East. What a special man he was, always a warm welcome and a kind smile.
    We extend lots of and hugs during this difficult time.
    Love always,
    Amy, Brian, Jack Will & Maddy

  6. Johnson Feed on March 31, 2015 said:

    To the Family of Earl, We are so sorry to hear of Earl’s passing. He was a great guy and will be dearly missed by all the lives he has touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. With Deepest Sympathy, From All of Us at Johnson Feed

  7. Matthew Stanton on April 1, 2015 said:

    God Bless you Great Uncle Earl. It was a pleasure knowing you and having been part
    Of our family. Rest Easy

    Love Matthew &Susan Stanton
    Berlin, CT

  8. Lynda Hammerstrom Johnson on April 2, 2015 said:

    I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Dean’s passing, he was a wonderful person. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.

  9. Cort carnes on April 2, 2015 said:

    Earl was a great friend. I will miss him….we had many good times… GOD BLESS YOU EARL……CORT CARNES