So...all of my memories of Dean, and his fantastic family, are so positive, but one in particular, will always be so very special and so personal.
I was leaving Wisconsin, following college and a year's employment, and moving back home to Pennsylvania.  I was leaving a tough situation and it was  very emotionally trying for me.  To get from Eau Claire, WI back to the Philly area, I had to take a puddlejumper from EC to the Minneapolis airport, where I had a several hour layover.  A brief jump to the backstory, Teresa and I were roommates on our study abroad stint in Scotland and returned as best friends for the duration of college (and still to this day).  I had spent a number of weekends at Dean and Diane's throughout the college years and always had a great time.  So, on my return trip to PA,  Dean and Diane came to the Minneapolis airport and met me for lunch.  I cannot tell you how much it meant to have them there at such a trying time in my own life, and I honestly don't remember much of our conversations, but the fact that they made that extra effort to come out and support me was everything to me at that time.  
I was able to visit with the Nicholsons several more times over the past 30 years and they came out here to my home to visit, too, which was an absolute treat in itself.  There's nothing like having friends/family like Dean and Diane in one's life.  Dean you will be so incredibly missed, but man, there's so much to celebrate about this life that you led...lots of love to your family, my friend.

There are so many memories that I will always cherish as “Dean” memories. I have two memories though that I hold highly on my list of favorites. The first being on one of the Minnesota crew’s visits to San Diego. I can’t recall which trip, but Dean took the time to make us our very own ice candle. My sisters and I were stunned! There was a major reveal, as we sat by the fire pit in my grandparent’s backyard! Being that we are California girls, we had never seen such a thing, EVER in our lives! Dean proceeded to tell us how they are made in detail and continued to tell us how the streets in MN are lined with them during the winter for sometimes days at a time. As the candle began to melt, I just remember being in awe of its beauty, knowing that each one turns out a little bit different (as Dean said). It was a true work of art. His passion ran deep for making those things! My second favorite memory was actually a recurring one. From the time I met Dean during the summer of 2010, I always knew I wanted to come back and visit again. Dean was a major reason why. I felt like I had known him for my whole life. Anytime I was at my grandparents house and my Opa happened to be on the phone with Dean & Diane, I would always be sure to say “hello”. Dean would start by asking when I was going down to the Come Fly With Me Airline to get my ticket to visit. Without fail, he’d sing a little jingle every time. It brought a smile to my face knowing that he & Diane enjoyed my company so much so that they wanted me to come again. I can hear his voice singing that jingle even now! Dean was such a matter of fact, simple man, never a sugar-coater and a true say it how it was communicator. One of the most honorable traits about Dean that I’ll hold dear is how much he absolutely loved his bride, his kids and grandkids. His pride was fierce. He even insisted that I say hello and introduce myself to a picture of his kids and grands that I hadn’t met yet. But that was just Dean!  

I will always remember Dean's infectious laugh!    He enjoyed life to the fullest.    Our paths have crossed many times:  It was always great  to see him and Di pull  into the driveway of my (and Di's) childhood hometown  of  Barron, WI,  Their  being in town  added for a FUN time!
He always had quality time for ALL -  especially, James next door,  James was a special needs kid;  Dean always went out of his way for him  and James cherished the time spent with his friend, Dean..
A special memory is Dean making and delivering  ice candles to  the cemetery -- a tradition of our family; he thought it was a pretty cool idea (no pun intended) :)
We had many times together in the Minneapolis area --- I was always considered a part of the family and I treasure that relationship.
Dean enlightened my world -- viewing how he lived his life ---always took time, went out of his way, and made friends easily with his outgoing personality ---- he ALWAYS had a hug for one and all.       
I will miss that wonderful, hearty laugh; but it rings in my ears forever.....oh the memories I will keep with me.     Thank you, dear friend.

We always enjoyed Dean's storytelling abilities. He seemed to never forget a name.

There are so many happy memories of positive, happy Uncle Dean that it is difficult to know which one to share. I remember playing with Joe and Bekah at their house in Fridley on many occasions. On one particular evening when I was about 5 or 6, I recall sitting on the couch next to Dean as we watched a movie and I wiggled, wiggled, wiggled away at my first loose tooth.  Since it was my first loose tooth, I was a bit nervous about how it would come out. Dean saw me wiggling my tooth, said "Come here" and reached over and plucked it out before I even knew what had happened. It stung a little bit but Diane was quick to get me an ice cream cone. I went home a proud little girl that day so excited about the tooth fairy's visit. In one short moment, Dean taught me not to be afraid. 

Thanks for that and all the jokes you've told over the years, Uncle Dean! I am so glad that we visited you when we did and that I got to see that twinkle in your eye one last time. May you Rest in Peace. 



When we think of Dean we remember his big smile and positive attitude. We loved his upbeat life attitude, his deep hugs and loving spirit.  He would greet us with "how is every damn thing?" and say it with an expectation that all was well and life was to be celebrated!  He didn't sweat the small stuff, and kept his priorities in line, with family as number one.  Dean would be ever present at all events, never miss an opportunity to show support in the fun times, at games and even during hospital visits or keeping close during Chuck and Gretchen's final years.                                                                     
 
I'll never forget when Dean took me, Jerry and Mike, three unruly teenagers, to his visit his Aunt and Uncle's farm in Wadena. We played in the hay bales, saw a drive- in movie and drank warm milk right from the cow. On the way up, we visited a camp that he stayed at when he was a young kid. On an other occasion, Dean took my Dad and the three of us to Black Duck to go deer hunting. We stayed in a hotel that was above the town bar...what an experience!  We didn't get much sleep that night!  Dean was like a brother to me and I'll really miss him.  

Dean and Diane were married two weeks after our own wedding and we shared many family gatherings with them thereafter.  Dean will be forever missed, much loved and we will hold his family dear and close forever!     

There are numerous special memories with Uncle Dean, but one that stands out is when I gave birth to my son. Dean told me that he always knew he  was a "GREAT" uncle, but I proved it as he was truly a "Great Uncle" now.  

He was not only my uncle; he was a mentor and dear friend. His thoughtful, giving, positive spirit and sense of humor taught me to not let life's challenges hinder my spirit; rather to find the positives and joy in life.  It didn't hurt to have a beer in hand at times either.  :)

"Some people come into our lives and they move our souls to sing and make our spirits dance." (author unknown)  Dean was one of those people! He may no longer be with us on earth, but he will ALWAYS in our hearts!  

Rest in peace dearest uncle!!  You are loved and will be missed more than words can express!




We have many memories shared with Dean & Diane - from BHS class reunions to dining out with Corita & Walt. One of the best memories, however, is the week-end we went to their cabin near Hayward. The Cranberry Fest at Stone Lake was so fun and we laughed a lot! Going to Corita's plays were always a highlight, too. Dean will be with us in spirit as we continue enjoying our visits with Diane and toast him with a beer.

I am Diane's favorite sister.  In 2002, our dad passed away at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, WI.  It was several days before the Barron Funeral Home was able to pick up dad's body.  In the meantime, mom said to me, "I know this may sound a little strange, but I worry about dad getting cold."  I didn't think it was strange at all--I thought it was sweet and a loving concern from a wife to her husband.  Six years later,  mom passed away.  She had told me that she wanted to be buried in a new pink print bathrobe she had purchased.  Both Diane and my sister-in-law, Sue, were adamant that she not be buried in a bathrobe.  I was having problems with my voice at this time, and I simply did not have the energy to argue, so she wasn't buried in her bathrobe.   She looked beautiful at her visitation.  The outfit she was wearing looked very nice, but I couldn't quit thinking about the bathrobe.  The next morning at the church after the visitation, the funeral director advised the family of one last visit to the casket before it would be closed.  We were in a private area in back of the church.  Dean walked up to the casket with a plastic bag.  As I was watching and wondering what Dean had, he quietly pulled the bathrobe out of the bag and proceeded to place it over mom.  (I thought the funeral director was going to have a stroke because he thought Dean was going to try and change her clothes!  Dean said, "No, no, it's okay.")  He placed it over her, tucking it in on her sides.  He came back to me and said, "now she will be warm on her wonderful new journey."  I never forgot what he did for me and for our mom!  I was so happy and content by his kind gesture.  But this was Dean, and when I think back, I guess it should not have surprised me.  I will miss you Dean.  You are the best thing that ever happened to my sister and our family...

 My fondest memories of Dean came from our many trips. Especially to Las Vegas. One time, the hotel gave us a complimentary limousine and Dean tried to pay for it because he thought we rented it! I will also remember our countless times at Tasty Pizza and trips to San Diego. We will never forget your fun spirit and we love you. 

  One Friday night, Joe and I had discussed going up to his family's cabin in Hayward, Wisconsin.  His folks knew that we might come up that Saturday, but we hadn't confirmed anything prior.  After a little back and forth, we decided not to wait until Saturday, but instead drive up that night, despite it being late already.  So, around midnight we made the pilgrimage to Hayward, reaching the driveway around 3 in the morning, and quietly putting all of our stuff onto the porch, trying not to wake up Sadie.  We were successful.  
  We then did what anyone would do in that scenario... we made a few drinks and relaxed on the porch, playing some cards.  Time goes by pretty fast, and before we knew it, it was almost 5 o'clock in the morning. Dean comes to the porch door, in his tighty whities,  to let Sadie outside.  He might have been shocked to see us all there on his porch, but you couldn't tell.  I gave him my best Jack Sparrow, saying "Dean, why's the rum always gone?", and without missing a beat, he replied "Because you drank it all".  Not five minutes later, he had cracked open a beer and sat down with us, in his tighty whities, asking us how we were doing and about our drive to the Shack.  Beer finished, he went back to bed, leaving us to finish the late night on the porch.  
  I'm sharing this story, not just because it's funny that I can say I've had a beer with the man in his undies, but because it reminds me of just how kind, friendly, and welcoming Dean always was.  No matter where I saw him, what time of day or night, and no matter what he was wearing.  

Dean happily attended Diane's high school reunions and joined in all the fun with the rest of us. He always had a smile on his face (and a Leinies in his hand!)
Dean and Diane visited my mom when they were in Barron and Mom delighted in seeing them and catching up on their lives. She was especially happy that they got her Leinenkugel pictcher at her auction. 
What a blessing knowing Dean was! I loved him because he was just perfect for you, Di, my forever friend. Much love, Katy

My favorite memory was a visit to the lake.  Dean and Diane Are always warm n welcoming no matter when we see them , but the lake was such a great place to spend time. The warm feeling with them at the lake made us not want to leave.   Their smiles still warm my heart 

As a child, I only had one birthday party with friends.  It was my tenth birthday.  What made it extra special was having my Uncle Dean there!  He drove 100 miles to help me celebrate turning ten.   What a great uncle and a wonderful gift!  I treasure that memory and all the many  birthday phone calls over the years.  He knew how to make someone feel special!  

It has been two years since I first stepped foot on the Thursday softball field and first met Dean. It was so intimidating playing with such a good team that had players that were childhood friends. I was nervous and not sure about my skills until Dean introduced himself and with a sudden confidence I was able to play with this great team. When I would get down on myself he would be the first to tell me to grab a bat and swing away and that everything was good. He was a calm, cool and genuine man! 

Two things you never say to Dean. I got  one cheaper, and I got this for free, beacause he will correct you. He will say no, it was less expensive, and nothing is free.
R.I.P. mean Dean!
#teamdean 

My first memory of Dean was from the 1980’s, when me and my future husband, Raimo, (a long-time friend of Dean’s and a carpenter) helped him build steps down to the lake at his cabin near Hayward. Working together, I immediately felt at ease with Dean--as if I had known him for years. 

But, my most-important memory of Dean is what he did for us decades later, in 2011. Dean and Diane stopped by for a late-April visit at our home near Brule, WI, while I was gone to work during the day, teaching in Minnesota. It was apparent to Dean that we needed some help. And, since he had recently retired, he saw himself in a position to give that help. Raimo had been diagnosed with ALS a few months earlier, and the disease was progressing much faster than is typical (on average, people live 3 to 5 years after diagnosis). I had already committed to finishing out the school year to hold on to the option of a two-year leave of absence once I finished in June. Dean called me a couple days after their visit and offered to be Raimo’s caregiver, while I was gone to work every day, for the rest of the school year. He slept at our nearby hunting camp, to give us some privacy and quality time in the evenings, and only went home to Diane and his own life on the weekends. What kind of person gives up several weeks of their life—and does so with compassion, sensitivity and good humor? I felt like I was drowning and someone (Dean) had thrown me a flotation device. It was such a relief to leave for work in the morning knowing that Raimo was not only in good hands, but in the care of a friend. 

Your own struggle is over now Dean. You are reunited with loved ones and buddies. I will always remember this tremendous gift of the heart. I am grateful.


It has been many years since I've seen him, but I can never forget him as our third base coach for Columbia Heights VFW. He was always such a competitor, loved the game, loved the kids and was a ton of fun to be around. I know he will be missed because I've missed him since those days many years ago. My condolences to the family and may God rest his soul. 

I didnt know Dean as well as most of you reading this but i had the pleasure of having a scotch with him and Diane at their home.  We talked about sports and many other things, like how funny Joe looks in his highschool picture on the wall. Dean was old-school and straight forward which reminded me of my father. My condolences go out  to Dean's family and friends. My next trip to Tasty's Pizza will include a shot of scotch for you Dean, R.I.P.

Diane and Family,
Dean was a good friend at work at Onan and on the softball field, whether on The Outlaws or The Flaherty Equipment team.  His tomahawk swing is memorable and he was a competitor with great sportsmanship.  He will not be forgotten.  Here's the Flaherty/Onan Softball Team photo from 1981, taken at Commons Park by Ruben Solee.  May you be comforted by the number of friends that fondly remember Dean and will never forget his contributions and humor.

From L-R,  Back Row:  Russ Baumeister (deceased), Jeff Poferl, Johnny Kvidera, Kent Dorholt, Frank Adelman, Dean Nicholson, Scott Hruska, Fred Fricano.   Front Row: Tom Petrak, Jerry Mithuen (Coach, deceased), Jerry Secora, Lee Johnson, Dale Johnson (Animal #1, deceased), Mike Chase (Animal #2), Tim Cavanaugh, Alex Gintner.

Diane and family I was sorry to hear about Dean he is a peace , no more pain.  I know very well what you and your family are going through we lost Rusty on June 22nd.   I will never forget all the fun we have had in the past years,  Camping, Boating , softball.   And both of us working at the big O together.   There is so  many memories that ones family's go through at this time.  Peace be with you and your family.

Punky Godfrey 


My deepest sympathy to the family.
Dean is at peace now, even though it is hard to see through the darkness now, remember Dean at his finest.  He was such a family man, he will continue to keep an eye on all of you from above.


I remember when I came down to visit everyone with my mom and Dean was there. He took me to the men’s softball game and tried setting me up with one of the young players! 😂 Dean was always such a sweet guy and a joy to be around.
I will miss him. RIP Uncle Dean

OBITUARY

Dean R. Nicholson

October 13, 1946 – August 15, 2018

Sunset Funeral Home & Sunset Cemetery

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