Dale D. Dean

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Dale Duane Dean on July 1, 2026, at the age of 85. Dale was born on July 5, 1940, in Miller, South Dakota, to Leonard and Vera Dean, and was the loving older brother to Galen.

Dale attended South Dakota State University, where he earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering and took part in ROTC, setting him on the path to a career in the United States Air Force. Dale was deeply patriotic and believed in serving his country. He rose to the rank of Captain and, as a Vietnam veteran, flew the Lockheed C-130 Hercules on over 400 combat missions in defense of the freedoms he held dear. His Air Force career took him and his family to Chandler, Arizona; Hampton, Virginia; and Trenton, New Jersey. After retiring from active duty, he continued his service in the Air Force Reserve.

After leaving the military, Dale settled with his family in Green Bay, Wisconsin, before eventually making his way to California, where he worked for many years in the manufacturing industry. He settled in Camarillo, where he married Rebecca. Following his divorce from Rebecca, Dale settled in Oxnard, California, in 1988, where he made his home for the rest of his life and where he dearly loved his community.

His sense of duty didn't end with his military service. Dale devoted decades to serving his community, holding membership or leadership roles with the Knights of Columbus #750, the American Legion #48, the VFW, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Ventura County Consolidated Oversight Board, the Cabrillo Neighborhood Council (as Chair), the Ventura County Resource Conservation District, and the UC Master Gardeners of Ventura County, among many others. Dale served with honor for many years as the Oxnard Planning Commissioner. Excellence and integrity in public service mattered deeply to him, at every level.

He worked as Engineering Manager for Nabisco for twelve years and most recently as Operations Manager for California-American Water Company for six years, retiring in 2002.

Those who knew Dale knew a man with a gentle heart who found it nearly impossible to say no to anyone who needed help. He loved working with young people and was especially proud of his years with Post 48 Boys State, where he relished the chance to mentor the next generation of leaders. An accomplished master gardener, he took great pride in his garden and was often the person neighbors called for advice and tips. He carried this same generosity and strong leadership into a long and successful business career.

Dale had a strong faith throughout his life. Raised Lutheran, he converted to Catholicism when he married Audrey, returned to the Lutheran Church, including Our Redeemer Lutheran, following their divorce, and returned to the Catholic faith later in life, remaining deeply involved in his faith community and giving generously of his time in service to others.

Dale was married to Audrey Regina (Slunecka) Dean, and together they had three children: Gregory, Jeffrey, and Denise. He later married Rebecca Riley, gaining two stepchildren, Colin Simpson and Valerie Simpson. He was then married to Eufrocina Lupe (Ramirez) Dean, gaining two more stepchildren, Jesus Ramiro Campos and Sheena Ortiz.

Family was at the center of Dale's life. He cherished the visits from his children and grandchildren, especially when they came from out of state to enjoy the California weather, and his heart was always full after long conversations catching up on their lives. He was proud of every one of his children and grandchildren, without exception.

After his father's passing, Dale retired in order to care for his mother, devoting eight years to her wellbeing with patience, compassion, and love. He brought that same devotion to his role as a stepfather to Jesus and Sheena, always supportive and always working to give them rich life experiences. He was, and will remain, an important presence in their lives.

Dale is survived by his beloved wife, Eufrocina Lupe Ramirez Dean, of Oxnard, California; his children Gregory Dean (Amy) of Montgomery, Texas, and their son Alexander Dean of Fairbanks, Alaska; and Denise Landers of Auburn, Alabama, and her children Alyssa Michael (Sage) of El Paso, Texas, and Nathan Landers of Arlington, Virginia; his daughter-in-law Karen Dean of Lawrence, Kansas, and her children Madelyn Dean of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Andrew Dean of Orlando, Florida; and his stepchildren Jesus Ramiro Campos of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Sheena Ortiz of Oxnard, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Vera; his brother, Galen; his beloved son, Jeffrey Dean; and his stepdaughter, Valerie Simpson.

Dale was an amazing, caring human being who will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. We take comfort in knowing he is being welcomed home with open arms by his parents, his brother Galen, and his son Jeffrey, and that he's already found his old fur friends to spoil all over again. Rest in paradise, Dale.

Dale, you taught me to keep going and always supported me. You were my advisor and my protector. Thank you for always taking care of me and my family, and for all the love you gave. I’m everything I am because you loved me. -Your wife

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