Kathleen Dean

Kathleen Rae Dean, age 84, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Kathleen was born November 25, 1941 in De Soto, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ray and Almeda Grimm. She was baptized and confirmed in the De Soto Methodist Church. She attended elementary and high school in De Soto and graduated in 1960.

She worked for a Medical Museum in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Bell's Discount Store in Madison, Wisconsin, Barron's Department Store in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and Herberger's Department Store in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Kathleen met and married "the love of her life" John Dean in La Crosse and they married at Westley Methodist Church. They lived in La Crosse, Albert Lea, Minnesota, Great Falls, Montana, and Fergus Falls, Minnesota. They have been blessed with many years together and two wonderful daughters, Lisa (Dave) Odegard and Laurie (Randy) Ronning, five wonderful grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. We have had full and wonderful life.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls. Kathleen enjoyed spending time with family and friends, collecting and reading recipe books, gardening, music, dining out and spending the winter months in Chandler, Arizona.

Survivors include her husband, John Dean of Fergus Falls; daughters, Laurie Ann (Randy) Ronning of Albany and Lisa Marie (Dave) Odegard of Sauk Rapids; five grandchildren, Nathan (Shalon) Ronning, Nicholas (Megan) Ronning, Evan Odegard, Dylan Odegard, and Lexie Odegard; five great-grandchildren, Kepler Richard Ronning, Makell Magdalene Ronning, Crosby John Ronning, Parker John Ronning, and Nolan Edward Ronning. Preceding her in death were her parents, Ray and Almeda Grimm and sister, Marvis Emerson.

Per Kathleen's wishes, there will be no funeral service. The family will have a private burial service at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com