Earl Martin Dean

Earl Martin Dean, age 73 of Spring Lake, formerly of Hesperia, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 13, 2018 at home. He was born April 24, 1945 in Big Rapids, MI to Darrell and Orpha (Martin) Dean. He served in the US Navy from 1966 to 1967, and married Connie Steiner on November 21, 1970.

He graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Education and later earned his Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University. He taught at Woodhaven High School and Henry Ford Community College before relocating to West Michigan where he worked at the Careerline Tech Center until he retired. Earl loved his family. He never missed his children’s activities and spent much of his later years babysitting his grandchildren, attending their sporting events, concerts, and any other event they were involved in. Earl was always there with camera in hand, capturing memories. He became the official videographer for Grand Haven Boys Soccer and kept the Facebook page updated with highlights and interviews, and did the same for the West Michigan Track Invitational. Always busy, Earl loved woodworking, gardening, and time spent in his workshop. Earl was an active member of United Methodist Church of the Dunes for many years.

Earl will be forever remembered and missed by his wife of 47 years, Connie; daughter, Heather (Chad) Brewer of Muskegon, MI; son, Aaron (Angel) Dean of Grand Haven, MI; grandchildren, Fiona & Asa Dean, Sage & Bear Brewer; sisters, Joan Sippy of Durango, CO, Carmen Hren of Kalamazoo, MI, Becky (Al) Griffin of Shelby, MI; brother, Ken Dean of Kingsley, MI; sister-in-law, Alice Steiner; brothers-in-law, Jack (Mary) Steiner, Chuck (Mary Lu) Steiner, Gary (Sherry) Steiner; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Robert Steiner.

The Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Pastor Lou Grettenberger officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 17th from 5 to 7 PM at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Church of the Dunes. Memorial contributions may be given to the Church of the Dunes or AMVETS. 

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