Dean D. Willnow

Dean Willnow, 88, Menoken, North Dakota, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at a local care center.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck, with Pastor Sharon Korsmo, Faith Luthearn Church officiating.

A social gathering remembering Dean will follow the service. Burial, with military honors, will take place at 12:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.

Dean was born September 21, 1934, at Bentley, ND to Ernest and Gustina (Klaus) Willnow. Dean was raised on the family farm in Hettinger County, ND. Upon the death of his father, he moved to Nebraska with his mother. Dean graduated from South High School in Omaha, NE. He attended UND (Grand Forks) and Bismarck Junior College before being serving in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in West Germany. Dean and his army buddies visited Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

Dean married Ione Robinson January 9, 1960. Dean and Ione took over the family farm near Menoken, ND in 1963. Dean farmed and worked full time at Melroe manufacturing plant. Dean enjoyed spending time with family and friends, taking trips, playing board and card games, and always telling a good joke.

Dean is survived by his three children, Melissa (Duane) Woodworth, Bismarck; Renee (Scott) Anderson, Ithaca, NY; and Lorin (Tammy) Willnow, Menoken; six grandchildren, Tiffany Woodworth (Bryan Knodel), William Woodworth, Michael Anderson, Lindsey Willnow (fiancé Chris Hegel), Marc Willnow, and Ryan Willnow; and two great-grandchildren, Vera and Oakley Knodel.

Dean is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ion; and siblings, Leonard, Arthur, Allen, and Mable (Nicklaus) Willnow.