Dean S. Telder

East Lansing

Age 89, ascended to a higher calling on July 1, 2014 surrounded by family. He was born on October 7, 1924, in Grand Rapids. Dean was preceded in death by Paula, his loving wife; brother Robert, grandson Ryan Eck, and loving wife Carolyn.

He enlisted in the United States Navy after a year of junior college and was sent to WMU and then to mid-shipman’s training in Chicago, where he was a 90-day OCS graduate. He honorably served as a lieutenant during World War II aboard the ship LC-76 until the war ended. He then earned a degree in Business Administration at MSU.

In 1954, Dean married Paula McLaughlin in Grand Rapids. The couple moved to East Lansing, where they raised their four daughters.

He later married Carolyn Chial in 1990 after meeting at Peoples Church. Dean was a dedicated member of The Peoples Church and was an advocate for children, teaching Sunday school for forty years. He also served on the Girl Scouts council for nine years. Dean had a long career as an insurance agent. He worked at Hacker King Sherry Agency for over thirty years until he was 88 years old.

Surviving are his daughters; Suzanne (Ralph) Eck of Simi Valley, CA, Patricia (Bob) Warner of Tucson, AZ, Jennifer (David) Leshock of Grand Blanc and Deana (David) Przybylski of East Lansing; step-children, Eric (Katherine) Chial of Chicago, Doug Chial of Switzerland and Megan (Jason) Styx of Brookfield, IL; brother Thomas and ten grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Dean’s life will be held Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 2 pm at The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Peoples Church Christian Education Fund.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made at

www.greastlansing.com