Ralph William Dean

Ralph William Dean, 87, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on October 3, 2026. Born on August 2, 1939, in Kankakee, Illinois. Ralph lived a life marked by steady devotion, quiet strength, and a faithful, generous spirit that shaped his home, his work, and the many people who were fortunate to know him.

Raised as the second son of a second son, Ralph carried forward a deep sense of responsibility and perseverance from an early age. He graduated from Kankakee High School in 1957 and later earned his Associates Degree from Prairie State College—an achievement that reflected both his intelligence and his hard-working determination to build a solid foundation for the years ahead.

Ralph’s professional life was defined by diligence and capability. He worked at IBM in Downtown Chicago in Upper Management, and he also served three years in the Army in Cripto, including overseas service in France. Whether in uniform or in the workplace, he was known for his loyalty, patience, and steady presence—qualities that made him someone others could rely on without hesitation. In later years, he worked alongside his wife to help build up a thriving rental enterprise, bringing care and precision to every detail. True to his thoughtful nature, he especially loved working on excel spreadsheets and files, finding satisfaction in order, clarity, and work done well.

Ralph was devoted to his family, and his marriage to his wife, Marlys C Anderson, stood as one of the great constants of his life. He was always with Marlys, and the two were always traveling together when or wherever. He would do most anything he could for her happiness. After 64 years of marriage, Ralph would say they were still on their honeymoon—a simple statement that captured the enduring love, faithfulness, and kindness that defined their life together.

Ralph was a proud father to two sons: James Marvin Dean (Cindy Dean) and Jeffrey William Dean. He was also a loving grandfather to Annette, Alex, and Austin Dean. His commitment to family was not merely spoken—it was lived, day after day, through presence, patience, and the steady generosity of a man who put the people he loved first.

A man of practical skill and tireless effort, Ralph found real joy in working with tools—taking on many room additions and projects, rehabbing a house, and always staying busy with the kind of hands-on work that turns a place into a home. He enjoyed playing games, traveling with family, and making memories in the everyday moments. He also delighted in storytelling, and those who watched TV shows or movies with him will remember, with affection, his habit of making noise during important parts—an unmistakable signature that brought laughter and reminded everyone that time together mattered more than perfect silence.

Ralph’s faith guided his life and service to others. He served as a Church Deacon and Elder, giving his time with humility and a God-fearing sincerity. He also served as a Boy Scout Master, offering steady leadership and encouragement—patiently investing in young lives with the same dependable care he brought to everything he did.

Ralph’s legacy lives on in the love he gave so freely, the loyalty he showed so consistently, and the calm strength he brought to his family and community. He was always with his family, and they shared several inside jokes, memories, stories, and catchphrases—“Crack broke,” “Case Hardened Street,” and “4 feet”—along with favorite stories from his time in service, his childhood, and the simple joy of being together. These treasured words and recollections remain as enduring reminders of a life well lived and deeply shared.