Dean William Colgrove

Dean William Colgrove passed away on Monday, October 24, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71. Dean was a beloved “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren, and leaves behind a heart-broken family and many friends. Dean was born in Webster, South Dakota, on September 14, 1940, to the late Violetta and Ralph Levi Colgrove. He graduated from Mott Lincoln (North Dakota) high school and the University of North Dakota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He was employed by Texas Instruments for 25 years, during which time he spent three years in Nice, France as a customer support manager, and one year in Madrid, Spain, as a project manager for Iberia Airlines Irregular Operations Systems. He also served as a program manager for Thai Airways Irregular Operations Systems. He was employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety from 1997 – 1999. Dean loved hunting and fishing, and was an avid member and supporter of the Gold Prospectors Association of America. In his earlier years, he enjoyed piloting small aircraft. He will be remembered especially for his sense of humor, love of life, and the love and support he gave to his family, his children, and his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Rosemary; daughters, Robbin Colgrove (Houston, TX) and Kassie (John) Savage (Bryan, TX); step-daughters Jan (Ed) Papic (Darien, CT), and Shelly Martinka (Georgetown, TX); and step-son Allen Rodgers and fiancé Jenny Evans of Denver, CO. Grandchildren include Shane, Kinsey, and Rochelle Savage; Christian and Olivia Papic; Nicholas, Addison, Moriah, and Sophia Rodgers; Taylor Evans; Chelsea Rodgers, and Brett and Neal Martinka. He is also survived by his brother Bruce Colgrove (Mott, ND) and sister Merry Kay Cormier (Lunenburg, MA). Honoring Dean’s life and serving as pallbearers are Bruce Colgrove, Larry Gabriel, Chas (Buzz) Hundley, Dave Monroe, Mark Ollmann, Allen Rodgers, and John Savage. Honorary pallbearers will be Brett Martinka, Nick Rodgers and, Shane Savage. A service celebrating Dean’s life will be held on Thursday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. at The Gabriels Funeral Home, 393 N. IH-35, Georgetown. Interment will follow at Fore Cemetery, Florence, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Missionaries of Hope, c/o Rev. Joseph Nisari, SS Cyril & Methodius Church, P.O. Box 608, Granger, TX 76530; or to the charity of your choice. Personal words of comfort may be sent to the family online at www.gabrielsfuneral.com