Ruth Dean

Just days after celebrating her 99th birthday, Ruth passed away peacefully on August 3 at 1:30pm with her family at her side. She was born July 22, 1917 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of William and Cecelia (Madel) Sullivan. Ruth graduated from Milwaukee State Teachers College in July, 1939. She dearly loved her profession, teaching kindergarten in Niagara, Menasha, Wauwatosa and Appleton. She was active in various church, civic, and school organizations and an officer in all. She was a teacher and an organizer, helping to support and raise money for various benefits.

Ruth married Kerm Dean in Milwaukee on April 27, 1946. In June of 1951, Kerm graduated from Marquette University Dental School and they then moved to Appleton. They celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary April 27, 1996 and had the happiest of marriages. She loved being Irish and put fun and concern for others foremost in her life. Many happy times with family and friends were shared at the Archibald Lake cottage.

She is survived by her two sons: Dr. Jeffrey Dean, Polk, WI and Bill (Patty) Dean; six grandchildren: Lauren Dean (Greenfield), Adam Dean (CA), Katelyn and Collin Dean (Franklin), Scott (Anne) Dean (Appleton), and Kristi (Steve) Wietrzny (AZ); and greatgrandchildren: Benjamin Dean, and Chase and Charley Wietrzny. She is further survived by a sister-in-law Nancy Sullivan, and nieces Lynn Kealey, Cece Bauer, Gail Sullivan, Patrice Avery, and sister-in-law Joan Dean, and their children Rob Dean, and Mark Dean.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Dr. J. Kermit Dean in November, 2002, by her parents, a brother Dr. Ben Sullivan, and a brother-in-law Dr. Dale Dean.

Funeral services will be held at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N. McDonald St, Appleton, on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 11 a.m. with Father Gerald Falk officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will go until the time of service at church. Entombment will take place in Highland Memorial Park. Online condolences can be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Ruth Dean's name for St. Thomas More Church. The family wishes to thank Fr. Falk for his many visits and uplifting spirit, Melissa and the staff at Living Tree Estates and Rennes, her hospice caretakers Barbie and Nancy, and CNA Julie for their loving care.