Dean was born to Ruben and Grace Mewes and grew up in Amery, Wis. Following high school, he continued his education at St. Olaf College and later attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, earning his Bachelor of Science degree. Dean built a career that reflected his natural curiosity and ability to work with his hands, working throughout the years with 3M and J&S in Ellsworth.
On April 10, 1983, Dean married the love of his life, Eileen, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Together, they built a wonderful life and were blessed with four children. Family was always at the heart of Dean’s life. He loved his boys and his daughter deeply, and as the years passed, becoming a grandfather brought him even more reasons to smile.
Dean was a man who always seemed to have a project underway. He had a lifelong interest in cars and especially enjoyed the hunt of finding something new. For Dean, it was rarely just about the car itself. He enjoyed meeting people along the way, hearing their stories, and seeing where the next project might take him. The Iola Car Show became a favorite tradition, where Dean helped put together campsites and enjoyed being surrounded by fellow car enthusiasts.
In his younger years, Dean enjoyed trap shooting and fishing. Later in life, his interests grew to include older homes and architecture. He appreciated the craftsmanship and character found in old buildings and enjoyed learning about the details that made each one unique. Whether it was a car, a house, or another project that caught his attention, Dean enjoyed discovering how things worked and imagining what they could become.
Above all else, Dean was a family man. Some of the smallest moments became some of the most meaningful. One especially treasured memory began when his granddaughter, Piper, started bringing Grandpa Smarties. Thanks to Piper, they quickly became Dean’s new favorite candy and a simple tradition that brought him great joy.
Dean will be remembered for his love of family, his many interests and projects, his curiosity, and the connections he made with people wherever he went. His family will carry forward countless memories of a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend who was happiest when surrounded by the people and things he loved most.
Dean is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Mewes; children, Nate (Amanda) Mewes, Nicholas (Alexis) Mewes, Adam (Miranda) Mewes, and Rebecca Mewes; grandchildren, Piper, Callan, Lucy, and Lane; parents, Ruben and Grace Mewes; twin brother, Daryl (Kathy) Mewes; brothers, Dan (Andrea) Mewes and Darin (Lori) Mewes; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
A funeral service for Dean will be held at noon Oct. 14, 2026, at English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, Wis., with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the start of the service.
Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.
