Dean Edward Grabow

Dean was born to Roy and Faye Grabow on September 14, 1944, in Hanford, California. At a young age, Dean commenced his life of hard work; his industriousness quickly became one of his defining attributes. As a child, Dean worked with his father drilling wells and making casing. After his father’s death in 1976, Dean took over the family business - Grabow Well Drilling, Inc. - which he owned and operated until 2006. Dean’s son, Keith Grabow, restarted the family business in 2016, with the help of Dean’s grandson, Derick, who represents the sixth-generation of the Grabow Well Drilling legacy.

Dean also farmed since the age of 12, when he began assisting his father in the fields. While operating the well drilling business, Dean and his wife Coleen founded Grabow Farms. The farming business specialized in producing cotton and almonds over the years and continues to operate today.

Dean also served his country as a member of the National Guard and his community as a member of the board of directors for Lakeside Irrigation Water District.

The other, most well-defining attribute of Dean’s life was the love and compassion he shared for his family and friends. Dean married the love of his life, Coleen, on April 30, 1966. Just two weeks before Dean’s passing, Dean and Coleen celebrated their 52nd year of marriage. Throughout the years Coleen not only supported Dean as a wife and mother, but also as the integral part of Grabow Well Drilling and Grabow Farm’s office-management operations.

In 1968, Coleen gave birth to Dean’s first child, his daughter Pamela. In 1970, Dean and Coleen welcomed their son Keith into the world. Both Pamela and Keith, like their mother, served as integral parts of the family business and continue to do so today.

Dean adored the later generations of his family, who referred to him as “Papa.” Dean was a grandfather to five grandchildren and a great-grandfather to one great-grandchild.

Dean enjoyed traveling with his fun and loving group of friends. He particularly enjoyed weekly “Taco Tuesday” get togethers.

Dean is survived by all members of his immediate family - his loving wife of 52-years, Coleen Grabow; his children: Keith Grabow, Pamela Oliveira (and her husband Andy); his grandchildren: Daniel Grabow, Chelsie Grabow (and her fiance, Michael Conway), Manuel Oliveira (and his wife, Tania), Derick Grabow, and Alyssa Oliveira; and his great-grandchild, Hudson Grabow. His family will dearly miss a loving husband, father, and Papa.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 P.M. on Wednesday, May 23rd at People’s Funeral Chapel and a cCelebration of Dean’s life is scheduled for 11 A.M. on Thursday, May 24th, 2018, at Visalia Christian Reformed Church (1030 S. Linwood St., Visalia, CA 93277).

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Lakeside Community Church (16942 10th Ave., Hanford, CA 93230). For additional information regarding donations, please contact the church’s pastor, Stan Plooy, by phone (559-582-2382) or email ([email protected]). Contributions may also be made to Adventist Health Hospice Care (440 Greenfield Ave. Ste. B, Hanford, CA 93230).