General Information
Full Name: Marie Everetta Dean
Date of Birth: February 1, 1924
Date of Death: December 4, 2013
Marie’s life story
Marie “Mit” Dean
Marie Everetta Prehal was born February 1, 1924 to parents Leonard and Agnes (Arens) Prehal. Marie’s mother died when she was seven, and her father moved to Seattle. Her grandparents, Henry and Agnes Arens, raised Marie. As a child she enjoyed ice skating, spending time with friends and growing up on the farm with her brother, Henry. She learned how to be a fantastic homemaker by always helping her grandmother around their farm. Marie graduated from Jordan High School.
As a young woman, Marie met the love of her life, Earl Dean. He would pass by the farm on his way to and from work at the C.C. Camp. Marie caught his eye, and they began dating. The couple exchanged vows August 19, 1944 at St. John the Baptist Church in Jordan. After they married, Earl and Marie lived in St. Paul for two years but eventually moved back to Jordan to raise their family. They were blessed with 10 children.
Keeping tabs on 10 kids wasn’t easy, but Marie did it with grace as she was the ultimate caregiver. Her kids were often playing jokes on her, but she took it all in-stride. She enjoyed playing volleyball, going to rock concerts and traveling with her family. Marie always had a home-cooked meal ready for her kids and all of their friends. Some of Marie’s favorite dishes included her Lazy Daisy Cake, Homemade Fudge and Potato Pancakes. But the most famous were the Sloppy Joe’s she’d serve every year after Midnight Mass. There was always a big party at the Dean house, and even Santa himself would show up for Marie’s Sloppy Joe’s.
When her children were grown, Marie began to work outside the home and had a number of jobs in Jordan. She worked in the JHS kitchen and at the Gold Spot. One time Marie received a call from an eager customer wanting to place an order for 40 malts. Eventually she realized it was one of her daughters playing another prank on her. Mit just laughed it off.
Family and faith were always the most important things in Marie’s life, but she also had a passion for cards and BINGO. Marie attended weekly card clubs where she played Michigan Rummy with her girlfriends. Marie also spent time at the penny and nickel slots anytime she visited Reno or Las Vegas with her girls. Marie was known to all as a happy woman who loved unconditionally.
Marie was one of the first people to move into Oak Terrace in April 2012. She loved it there, and received excellent care. “Sweet Marie” was the name given to her by the staff. Marie Dean died peacefully, holding the hands of her family on Wednesday, December 4, 2013. Marie will always be remembered as a caring mother, loving grandma and a dear friend to so many.
Marie will be deeply missed by her children, James (Jody) Dean of Eau Claire, WI, Judy Dean of Jordan, Carol Kleinschmidt of Lakeville, Robert Dean of Minneapolis, Richard (Diana) Dean of Shakopee, Thomas (Dorothy) Dean of Apple Valley, Jean Dean of Richfield, Mary Dean of Richfield, Joe (Ryn) Dean of Jordan, Dave (fiancé Rhonda) Dean of Chaska; grandchildren, Jason, Jeff, Jenny, Nicholas, Chris, Ashly, Amber, Kelsey, Josh, Madison, Jackson, Camden, Megan and Danny; many great-grandchildren; brother, Henry (Marleen) Prehal of Kissimee, Florida; nephew, Bruce (Barbara) Prehal; other loving relatives and friends. Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Dean.
Pall bearers for Marie are her six sons, James, Robert, Richard, Thomas, Joseph and David.
The visitation is Monday, December 9, 2013 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home; 104 First Street West; Jordan, MN 55352. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan. Father Timothy Yanta will preside. Marie will be laid to rest next to Earl at Calvary Cemetery.
Visitation
When: Monday December 9, 2013, 4 til 8 PM
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 104 First St. W., Jordan, MN 55352
There also will be visitation at the church 1 hour prior to services.
Service Information
When: Tuesday, December 10, 2013, 11:00 AM
Location: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Address: Jordan, MN
Interment
Calvary Cemetery
Jordan, MN
