Dean Winton Grendahl

1931-2022

Dean passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90. He was born in Keene, North Dakota on July 6th, 1931, one of 11 children of George and Celia Grendahl. On August 24, 1952 while serving in the Navy he married the love of his life Velma Mae Houser with whom he would spend the next 69 years. After the wedding they moved to Norfolk, Virginia and after his discharge in 1954 they returned to Sanish, North Dakota where they farmed with his family. In the spring of 1955 their son Gary was born and in 1957 they purchased and moved to a farm in Tuttle, North Dakota where their daughter Cindy was born in 1959. They remained on the farm growing crops, and raising both dairy cows and livestock until the spring of 1967 at which time they moved to Sycamore, Illinois. Dean took a job as a lineman with DeKalb Ogle Telephone Company and was later promoted to the position of cable splicer. It was during this time that he was also able to take classes in order to receive his GED. He then went to work for Ideal Industries where he stayed until his retirement in 1991. Velma retired in 1992 and they spent a few years traveling around the country before settling in New Mexico in 1994. In 1999 they moved to Colorado Springs and from there to Castle Pines, Colorado to be near their daughter Cindy and her family where they remained until their passing.

Along with being a loving and caring Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Uncle Dean was always ready with a story, joke, or comment to let you know that he would probably always be one or two steps ahead of you. He was not bashful about letting you know it. He was an avid card player and had a habit of forgetting to tell you some of the rules until it was to his advantage to bring them up. He also took great pride in his lawn and garden and enjoyed the time spent tending to them. His smile, fun, and sometimes questionable sense of humor will be missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by their son Gary (Julie) Grendahl, daughter Cindy (Larry) Hamilton, Grandchildren Eric (Karla) Grendahl, Danny Hamilton, David Hamilton, Delaney Hamilton, Great Grandson Liam (Eric) Grendahl, one sibling, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Velma, his parents, and nine siblings.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery which will become their final resting place.

In Remembrance of Dean Winton Grendahl