A graduate of Mabel, MN high school, Dean received a Bachelor of Science degree from Winona State University in 1959 and a Master of Science degree in biology from the University of Oregon in 1972. Dean was a dedicated science teacher and he received several National Science Foundation (NSF) scholarships for graduate studies. He taught in Byron, MN, Torrance, CA, and Managua, Nicaragua and was head of the science departments in Coos Bay, Oregon and Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Dean retired in 2002 and moved back to his hometown of Mabel, MN.
Dean died of natural causes in his home in Mabel, MN on October 9, 2010 at the age of 73.
Dean married Joyce Jameson Spande, they later divorced. He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Erik Spande of Winfield, Ill., Kris (Michael) Spazafumo of Brea, CA, and Kai(Kaci) Spande of Clarkston, MI. He has five grandchildren: Breanna Spazafumo, Roman Spazafumo, Sofia Spazafumon, Madison Spande and Devon Spande. His brother, Dennis Spande, and his sister-in-law Alice, live in Clarkston, MI. Dean was preceded in death by his parents Alta and Nansen Spande of Mabel, MN.
Dean will be missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered for his love of science, curiosity of the natural world sense of humor and creative artwork.
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