Michael J. Dean

Michael James Dean, affectionately known as Bapa, from Cannon Falls, MN passed away peacefully on September 19th, 2026 at Elysian Senior Homes of Northfield, MN.

He was born on September 27th, 1952, in Minneapolis, MN to Magdalen (Grundman) and John "Dizzy" Dean. He spent his childhood growing up between Fort Snelling and his grandparent's farm in Osakis, MN where he learned how to fish, play baseball, and found his passion for animals.

He graduated from Richfield High School in 1970, and continued his education later in life at Inver Hills Community College studying Spanish and home inspection courses.

On January 30th, 1988, he married the love of his life, his honey, Jeanne, and gained two children, Jason and Molly. They bought acreage in rural Cannon Falls, MN where he proudly built their family's forever home by hand. Although he always considered Molly as his own daughter, he officially adopted her in 2019.

Mike worked for Northwest/Delta Airlines, with 40 years of dedicated service; retiring in 2014 as a Ramp Chief.

Michael lived an adventurous life, including moving to California after high school, where he was a ranch hand, enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and later joined the rodeo as a bronc rider.

He had many passions, including caring for any and all animals of any size, raising livestock, selling many goods at local farmer's markets, utilizing his John Deere, maintaining their homestead; Moon Creek Farm where he grew produce, raised free-range chickens, beef cattle, horses, dogs, and so many cats that he was lovingly called our "crazy cat lady".

He was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed spending quality time with those he loved, especially his grandchildren. From watching Scooby-Doo, having sword and nerf gun wars, learning how to play Mario games, watching and cheering during ball games, he was always there to show his support.

He is survived and greatly missed by his wife Jeanne Dean, children Jason (Ashley) Pelton and Molly (Kory) Kreisler; grandchildren Bailey (Raymond) Tipcke, Brayden and Gavin Kreisler, Troy and Ryzen Pelton, Vincent and Isabella Davisson; and great-granddaughter Magdalen Tipcke. He is also survived by his sisters; aunt; and many others including brother in-laws; sister-in-laws; nieces; nephews; grand-nieces; grand-nephews; and cousins.

He was reunited with his grandparents; parents; honorary parents Akiko and Dr. Yoshio Sako; brother Patrick Dean; mother and father-in-law Lorraine and Jerome Palmer; sister-in-law Dianna Palmer; brother-in-law Michael Palmer; nephew Shaan York; as well as many uncles; aunts; and all of his animal companions who had passed before him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24th, 2026 from 4 to 7:00 pm at Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls, MN, with a prayer service at 6:45 pm, led by Deacon Patrick Evans.

His family welcomes all to come to his celebration of life which will be held on his birthday, Sunday, September 27th from 3 to 6 pm at the Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls, MN.

On behalf of Mike, we would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the care takers at Elysian Senior Homes of Northfield and Minnesota Hospice for going above and beyond in his care. We are forever grateful for your services and the kindness you showed us during this difficult time.

"The heart remembers what the mind forgets"