Dean Vetter, 70, of Washburn, ND passed away peacefully on January 20th, 2024 surrounded by his family in Bismarck, ND.  A memorial service/Mass of Christian Burial for family and friends will be held at 11:00am on Friday, February 23, 2024 at St. Edwin's Catholic Church, Washburn, ND with Fr. Patrick Cunningham officiating.  Cremation has already taken place. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, February 22, 2024 with a prayer service at 7pm at the church.

Dean was born December 1st, 1953, in Bismarck, ND, the son of Otto and Ione (Krebsbach) Vetter.  He grew up in Washburn, ND and graduated from Washburn High School in 1971. He attended a technical college in Rapid City, SD.

Dean was the cherished brother to seven siblings, fostering strong bonds that lasted a lifetime. He was a pillar of support, offering love, guidance, and laughter to his brothers and sisters. Dean's commitment to family extended to his role as a father. He leaves behind a legacy in his two sons, Ryan and Tyler, who carry on his values and warmth and his unique sense of humor.

Dean worked at Montgomery Wards in the tire department in SD after college.  He moved back to his hometown in Washburn in 1975 where he worked for the county until getting a job at Falkirk Mine in 1976.  Dean worked at Falkirk Mine for 42 years as a heavy equipment operator until he retired in 2018.  He was very proud of his tenure there and would often talk about his co-workers and how he used to have fun with them in all sorts of ways.  His dedication and work ethic made him not only a respected colleague but a cornerstone for his family and his community.  His commitment to making sure he was able to provide reflected his deep sense of responsibility and loyalty.

Beyond the workplace, Dean was a man of varied interests. A spirited conversationalist, he found joy in discussing everything from politics to football, engaging friends and family in lively debates. His passion for these topics was infectious, creating lasting memories for those fortunate enough to engage in conversation with him.  Dean truly held great wisdom and wanted to share it with everyone.

Music held a special place in Dean's heart, particularly the soulful sounds of blues music. His appreciation for the genre was evident in the way he would immerse himself in its rhythms and melodies, finding solace and inspiration in each note.  Dean loved attending live concerts and festivals whenever he could and would often invite dozens of people to attend with him.

Dean's true happiness lay in the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grand child. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of Dean's presence.  He always wanted to make sure everyone was included, loved, and cared for, even extending his hospitality to people he had never met before.  His legacy lives on in the memories created during these cherished moments.

Dean Vetter's departure leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.  His memory will be forever etched in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues.  May he rest in peace, surrounded by the echoes of blues melodies and the enduring love of those who held him dear.

Dean will be missed by his sons:  Ryan (Scarlett) Vetter and Tyler (Amanda) Vetter; his grandchildren: Taeler Vetter, Sierra (Kiton) Ademeso, Traeton Vetter, Tia Vetter, Myla Vetter, Zyden Vetter and Vada Vetter; his great-grandchild,  Temilade Ademeso; his siblings: VeNeita Berger, Dale (Lavina) Vetter, Donn (LaVerne) Vetter, Karen Bradley, Twila Smith, Kathy (John) Schmaltz, Gayna (Marko) Vetter and many nieces and nephews, family and friends who all loved him very much.

Grandchildren will remember him most for his way of connecting to everyone in his own ways: nicknames, banana cream pies, and "Remember the Alamo".

He was preceded in death by his parents; Otto and Ione Vetter, his sisters-in-law: Lavina (Dale) Vetter and LaVerne (Donn) Vetter; and his brother-in-law, Dick (VeNeita) Berger.