Glen Ellyn, IL - David A. Dean and Susanne Ochsner Dean

Our dear parents David and Susanne have passed away after very happy and successful lives. David Allen Dean passed on October 29, 2024 (Glen Ellyn, IL); Susanne Ochsner Dean passed on December 22, 2020 (Grand Junction, CO).

David Allen Dean was born in Danville, Illinois on May 11, 1930 to Frank and Lelia Dean. He was adored by his parents and much older brothers and their wives- George and Betty Gose, Orville and Ruby Gose. While growing up in Danville, David made lifelong friends - Judge Richard (Dick) Wilder, Dr. Harold Arnett, and Shirley Roark Crow. Dad joined the wrestling team at Danville High School and his passion for that sport continued throughout his life. After graduating from Danville High School in 1947, Dad joined the United States Navy. Continuing to wrestle while in the Navy, he made the tryouts for the 1948 summer Olympics, but lost a match to someone along the way. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, David attended Illinois State University on the G.I. bill and graduated with a B.S. in Education; he would eventually attain a Master's degree from Illinois State.

Susanne Louise Dean, nee Ochsner, was born January 28, 1930 to Leo and Helen Ochsner. Susanne grew up on the family farm near Nauvoo, Illinois- a small rural town. After high school graduation, Susanne attended secretarial/business school in Omaha, Nebraska. While there, Susanne met a lifelong friend, Shirley Roark Crow, who would eventually introduce her to her future husband.

David and Susanne were married in Danville, Illinois on November 29, 1957 and began a life together that would last over 60 years. David and Susie lived in West Chicago, Illinois where David was teaching high school. Their family would eventually grow to include four children - Forrest, Sherrie, Lisa, Bryan.

David taught at West Chicago high school for 35 years teaching wood shop, metal shop, and most importantly drafting and architectural drawing. Many students passed through his classes and had successful drafting careers - some continuing their education and some finding careers immediately after high school graduation. Dad started the wrestling program at WeGo High and coached wrestling during many of those years - he was very proud of the discipline, skills, and expertise he brought to both the classroom and extra curricular activities.

After 30+ years in West Chicago, David and Susie fulfilled their lifelong dream to live in the west and relocated to Grand Junction and the San Juan mountains in Colorado. They spent the next 30 years creating and perfecting their mountain home - enjoying their independence and reliance on each other.

Mom and Dad were a great team and led by example - working hard, taking care of others, believing that education and critical thinking were essential to a healthy community. Their children were very fortunate to have such loving role models and we miss their wisdom and friendship tremendously.

Dave and Susie are survived by their four children Forrest Dean (Karen) of Glen Ellyn, IL; Sherrie (John) Adams of Dripping Springs, TX; Lisa (Jeff) Apgar of Escondido, CA; Bryan (Francesca) Dean of Gig Harbor, WA; 9 grandchildren (Alex Dean, Allison Banaszak, Katherine Adams-Hurta, Abigail Adams, Spencer Dean, Darrell Adams, Eric Apgar, Andrew Apgar, and Valentina Dean); and 5 great grandchildren.

If you wish to make a donation, please support The National Park Foundation as Dad and Mom loved the great outdoors.

A remembrance gathering will be held on Saturday, July 12th 2025 from 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm. The location will be The Pavilion at Maryknoll Park (845 Pershing Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137). If you knew Dave and Susie and are able to attend, we'd love to see you.