Jack Gale Dean, age 92, entered into rest on Oct. 27, 2016 at Sun Terrace in Prosser. His daughters, Elizabeth and Darlene helped care for their dad, right along the staff at Sun Terrace, in his battle with Alzheimer’s. Hospice was there at the end with their added care.
Jack was born in Comstock, Minnesota to Chauncey Buckhart and Irene Alvine (Grover) Dean on May 18, 1924, the youngest of four brothers and four sisters. He received his education in New Folden, Viking, and Warren, Minnesota. His mother, Irene, attended the German Lutheran Church along with their children there. Jack continued the tradition and while raising the family, attended the Lutheran Church in Prosser.
At the age of 18 Jack enlisted into the US Army, did his basic training at Camp Beal California and was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division. He was one of the first 18 year olds from his state of Minnesota. On July 2, 1944 he was on his way to Europe to fight in WWII. Jack served in the 12th Corps, 3rd Army under General George S. Patton. He served in Normandy, Central Europe, Battle of the Bulge, The Rhineland, and the Battle of Germany. When he received his honorable discharge in 1945, he made his home in Prosser where his mother Irene and his two brothers were living.
He later met Norma (Jump) Burkhart and they were married Sept. 17, 1947, in Pasco WA. Five children were born to that union, David, Sherry, Rick, Darlene and Elizabeth.
Jack worked for 30 years at Hanford, starting out as a Security Guard then as a Millwright Mechanic. He enjoyed ice skating in his younger years, hunting and trapping back in Minnesota, fishing, growing his tomatoes and he loved his roses. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even two great-great-grandchildren. Jack was also a big sports fan and would rarely miss a Seattle Mariners or Seattle Seahawks game on television. He spent his final years in Prosser close to his daughters Darlene and Elizabeth.
Jack is survived by five children, David Dean of Crailsheim Germany, Sherry Dean of Medical Lake, WA, Rick Dean of Portland, Oregon, Darlene Burns of Yakima, WA, and Elizabeth Dean of Prosser, WA.; nine grandchildren, Lisa Greer, Trisha Egbert, Gary Dean, Dustin Dean, Richie Dean, Shawna Dean, Christine Gaither, Greg Gaither, and David C. Dean.; two great-greatgrandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chauncey and Irene Dean; brothers, Howard Dean, Donald Dean, and Basil Dean; sisters, Maude Leslie, Myrtle Dean, Rubie Dyrud, and Lola Buhr.
A graveside service with full Military Honors will be held at 1:00 PM Friday November 4, 2016 at the Prosser Cemetery, officiated by Jack’s grandson David C. Dean. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars 1101 Wine Country Rd. Prosser WA. The Dean Family wishes to thank Prosser Sun Terrace staff, Hospice, and Prosser Funeral Home for their loving care and compassion during this difficult time.