Alice Dean

Alice Irene Dean, 82 of Eyota, MN passed away to be with Jesus in the early morning of March 1, 2026. She led a faith-filled life, loving Jesus, family, and friends.

She was born November 8, 1943, and was brought up as a farm-kid in rural Waterville, MN, the middle child of Arnold and Ella Melchert. Like most middle kids she grew to be independent, creative and underestimated.

Her lifelong adventures started when she married Ralph Dean, the greatest love of her life on September 23, 1969. Most blind dates are rarely this successful. She was very proud of her work as a nurse, but put that aside to raise her family.

Alice loved bowling, playing cards, sewing and knitting. In her early days as a mom, many hours were spent roller-skating, camping and teaching Sunday school. She chased after Ralph on their snowmobiles and was a frequent passenger princess in many car club functions.

Alice had an absolute gift for creating beautiful quilts, selecting each piece of fabric with careful consideration. If her hands weren't piecing calico, she was digging in the earth of her garden. Both hobbies were to make special creations to share with friends and family.

She is survived by her 3 children, Lisa (Dale) Korthauer, Rhonda (Al) Nielsen, Dennis (Nikki) Dean, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, her brother Jim (Susie) Melchert, Brother-in-law Lyle Dean and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, sister Elaine Kuball, and her parents.

To celebrate her life, a visitation will be held on Friday March 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM and Memorial service at 11:00 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 770 Robert Avenue SW, Eyota, MN. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Schad and Zabel Funeral Home is handling arrangements.