First Sergeant Dean W. Markuson, age 71 of Hastings, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday morning, Dec. 2, 2022, at the Minneapolis Veterans Hospital.
Dean Warren, the son of Warren and Esther (Wiederrich) Markuson, was born on Dec. 11, 1950, in Monango, North Dakota. Shortly after his birth, Dean was baptized into the Kingdom of God at St. Paul Lutheran Church. In 1955, his family moved to Fargo where Dean began his elementary education. In 1957, he attended Ellendale Public School where he graduated with the class of 1969. He then enlisted in the United States Army and served for twenty years and retired as First Sergeant in Personnell Administration and Management. While serving, Dean had numerous assignments including: Vietnam, two tours in Germany, and also Korea. For his dedication, Dean earned many Armed Services Awards, but most signi昀cantly, the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest achievable campaign and service medal.
July 13, 1974, Dean was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Meyer. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Elizabeth Julia and Ruth Karen, as well as one grandson, Jordan Matthew. Dean later worked for Dakota County and the State of Minnesota as a Mail Clerk and Janitor. In 1992, his dedication continued to show as he graduated with an Associates Degree in Business Administration and Management from Inver Hills Community College.
Dean’s heart and soul was always focused on the Veterans of the Armed Forces. Over the years, his dedication allowed him to hold the All American District Commander of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, as well as many other positions within the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of American, Disabled American Veterans, and of course, his many local community organizations that he held near and dear. In 2011, Dean’s dedication to the community of Hastings was recognized when he was selected to receive the Spirit of Hastings Award for his commitments to the community.
Most recently, Dean’s 昀nal mission for Hastings was to create a place for the Armed Forces to be remembered. His passion led him to begin Foss and Swanson: The People’s Center, a local war museum and a place for Veterans to gather. This building allowed Dean the ability to show his dedication to the community he truly loved. As his health began to fail, Dean and Shirley’s generosity continued to show as they gifted their building to the missions of Rise Up Recovery.
Dean leaves behind a rich legacy of service, generosity, and commitment to the community of Hastings, for God, and for his country. He has fought the good 昀ght, and has 昀nished the race. Well done thy faithful servant, well done.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Warren and Esther (Wiederrich) Markuson.
Dean is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters, Liz Markuson and Ruth Markuson; grandson, Jordan McGowan; brother, Dennis (Sandy) Markuson; and by many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Dean’s Life will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, with Pastors Randy Berg and Paris Pasch of昀ciating. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9-10 a.m., and to a reception immediately following the service, all at the funeral home on Thursday morning.
For guestbook and further information, please visit www.hastingsmnfuneral. com Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
