Wellington Dale Dean

Wellington “Welly” Dale Dean, 91, of Alpena passed away on October 20, 2023. He was a kind, caring, and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who will be dearly missed.

Welly was born on December 9, 1931, to the late Chester and Daisy (Sharpe) Dean in Alpena. He attended elementary school in a multi-grade classroom at the former Dean School on Grand Lake Road and graduated from Alpena High School in 1950. Following graduation Welly was proud to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Welly met his true love while her family was vacationing in Alpena at Long Lake. Barbara Lee Bruder and Welly were married on June 26, 1954, and celebrated 66 years together.

Welly was a faithful and active member of the Alpena First United Methodist Church. He was employed by several local manufacturing companies including Scovill, Universal Fluid Dynamics, Huron Portland Cement, and the Besser Company where he retired in 1996. After retirement, Welly and Barb became snowbirds for many years, spending their winters in New Mexico.

Welly enjoyed many activities throughout his life such as gardening, camping, playing guitar, and coffee time with his buddies. In his younger years, Welly sang and played guitar on WATZ radio as “The Lone Star Troubadour” and as a member of “The Star Trio”. Welly was a skilled carpenter known for his meticulous attention to detail, which was evident in every project he took on including building his own home where he and Barb raised their family.

Surviving are two daughters: Lisa (David) Patterson of Blaine, Minnesota, and Andrea (Jerry) Patterson of Topinabee, Michigan, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Welly was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barb, and one great grandson, “Teddy”.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at First United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until the funeral service that will be held for Welly and Barb Dean at 12 p.m. with Rev. Robert Nystrom officiating. Military honors will be accorded him by Alpena VFW Post 2496. Arrangements are being handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Memorials: First United Methodist Church - Alpena or Hospice of Michigan.

Interment: Evergreen Cemetery