Dean M. Brynjulfson

“I’m dead”, at age 79. Survived by wife of 34 years, Linda; daughters Kris (Pete) Wetterling & Mindy (Tom) Boeck; grandchildren Parker & Madi Boeck; brother Lonny (Lauri) Brynjulfson; sisters-in-law Mary (Rick) Hansen & Pat Miller; nieces & nephews; other relatives & friends. Memorial Gathering at Bradshaw Funeral Home, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear Lake, MN, on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 1 to 3 pm. Pastor to speak at 1:30 pm. Family will continue to receive friends & relatives afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Dean grew up on a 130-acre farm outside of Long Prairie, MN, with his younger brother, Lonny. Every day, before & after school (Dean attended a one-room schoolhouse until 7th grade), they milked 20 cows & had other chores. Dean believed his strong work ethic was a result of these responsibilities. Dean & Lonny received a $.25 weekly allowance, which was spent on books & comics. Dean never lost his love of reading or of buying books. He read all the books in his one-room schoolhouse & high school libraries.

His parents' home had no indoor plumbing until after Dean left for the Army in 1963. He served stateside until 1966, as Head of Personnel for over 200 hospital employees at Fort Sill, OK. Orders to go to Vietnam came six months before his discharge, but his commanding officer said Dean was too valuable to lose. His orders were canceled.

Dean will be remembered for his humor — he liked to joke & bring laughter to others; his love of football (college & professional — the Vikings); movies (we saw new releases every weekend); trips to Las Vegas — he enjoyed playing Blackjack, seeing shows & eating great food. Dean spent 39 years in the trucking industry (Mack & Volvo), working in the Parts Department — first for Mack Trucks; then for three private owners. The third owner, Nuss Truck & Equipment, hired Dean in 1997. When Dean retired in 2009, he was their Corporate Fixed Operations Manager over six stores.

Dean was dearly loved, will be deeply missed & will be forever in our hearts.