Jerald Dean Fischer

J. Dean Fischer of Grand Junction, CO, passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at home, surrounded by his four children. Born September 13, 1934 in Charles Mix County, South Dakota to Hermina (Minnie) and Lewis Fischer, he was the youngest of four and was preceded in birth order by siblings, Wilbert, Eunice, and Thelma. Dean was 90 years old.

In October 1953, shortly after graduating from Lake Andes High School, Dean married Sylvia Varilek, his high school sweetheart from neighboring Geddes, South Dakota. Dean and Sylvia were life-long loving partners for more than 69 years of marriage and remained devoted to one another until Sylvia’s passing in December 2022.

After beginning his life’s work in construction and carpentry on the Fort Randall and Oahe Dams—both Missouri River Basin projects in South Dakota—Dean moved his family to Montrose, Colorado in 1964. While on the Western Slope, he worked on the Colorado River Storage Project on the Gunnison River. This included the Morrow Point Dam, located in the upper Black Canyon of the River and the Crystal Dam. In 1968 the family moved to the Denver area, and Dean began work as Carpenter Superintendent in charge of building on the Straight Creek Tunnel, located in Central Colorado under Loveland Pass. His title and duties were later expanded to Building Superintendent, and the project was renamed The Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel. In later years he founded his own business, JDF Construction, a general contractor focused on commercial tenant finish and foundation projects.

Dean is survived by his four children, Crystal Fischer (Dennis Hendricks), Robin Fischer, Kent Fischer, and Hope Iden (Brian), six grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. He will be remembered as a good man . . . steadfast, loving, reliable, warm and caring, accepting, and incredibly hard working. He was always willing to help a neighbor. And perhaps too few knew, he had a beautiful singing voice.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff from Hope West Hospice Care for their excellent and compassionate in-home care. Their support enabled Dean to die at home as he wished, cared for by his family. A memorial service for both Dean and Sylvia is planned for the spring of 2026 at the cemetery in Wagner, South Dakota. The date is pending and once known will be shared via family Facebook pages.