Howard Robert "Bob" Dean

Jody Hane2021-01-17T10:36:43-06:00

Name: Howard Robert "Bob" Dean
Location of Birth: St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Date of Birth: May 5, 1920
Date of Death: April 2, 2013 (92 years old)
Parents: Samuel and Mable(Fosgate) Dean
High School and Class: 1938 - St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
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Branch: Navy
Other Branch: United States Army
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Military Highlights:
Bob served in the United States Navy and the United States Army during World War II where he was a radio operator stationed at Pearl Harbor. Bob was a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Wars Involved:
World War II

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Civilian Life:
Bob attended school in a one-room school house in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. and graduated high school in 1938.

He then went to Montana and worked as a typesetter.

Bob met his future wife, Carnie Ruiz, at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. They were married on May 17, 1947 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. They moved to Grand Rapids, Minnesota where they enjoyed their lives together.

Bob and Carnie purchased Indian Joe's Wigwam in 1956 and ran the business together for sixteen years. Bob retired for a short time, then began working for his brother at The Itasca Dry Goods and later for the Blandin Foundation.

Bob took care of Carnie for many years prior to her death in 2008. He was able to live at home until three weeks before his passing.

Bob was a loyal volunteer who played the piano at numerous nursing homes, churches and anywhere there was a piano. He continued volunteering up until a few months before his death. His volunteer service also extended to many foreign countries where he helped in the mission field. He loved being outdoors, spending countless hours fishing and canoeing. Bob enjoyed telling stories, swimming at the YMCA and helping others. He made friends everywhere he went.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carnie; and his siblings.

Bob is survived by his two daughters, Bobbie Dean and Becky Dean; nieces Barbara (Sam) Marshall, Gerry Riffle, Beverly Anderson, Patsy Chidester, Joan Shapiro; and a host of wonderful friends.

He passed away at Evergreen Terrace in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and was cremated.

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