Erma Dean, 88, of Monticello, Minn., passed away peacefully on July 30, 2017, at Centra-Care Health Center in Monticello.
A celebration of her life service was held at Centra-Care Health Center on Saturday, Aug. 5 at a preplanned Colburn family reunion with her immediate family, sister, nieces and nephews in attendance.
Ermahart Pauline Dean was born March 12, 1929, in Wolsey to Carl and Martha (Kowalke) Colburn. She was the fifth of seven children. She attended Artesian High School through the 10th grade. Later in life, she received her general equivalent diploma.
On Sept. 28, 1945, Erma was united in marriage with Francis Kenton Dean in Pipestone, Minn. After Francis returned from the Army, they farmed in the Artesian area, where they were blessed with four children: Daisy, Kenton, Karla and Laura, all born in Mitchell. The family lived in St. Paul, Minn., for several years before moving to Circle Pines, Minn., in 1958. They raised their family there until Francis was relocated by his job to Indianapolis, Ind. After several years, they moved back to Circle Pines and eventually return to Artesian, where they retired.
In 2004, they lost their youngest daughter, Laura, to cancer. In 2007, Francis passed away from cancer, as well. Erma lived in Artesian for several years alone before moving to McGregor, Minn., to be near family. After her health further declined, Erma relocated to Monticello, Minn., also near family.
Erma is survived by her son, Kenton (Deborah) Dean; her daughters, Daisy English and Karla Dean; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Agnes Krauter; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis; daughter, Laura Dunell; her parents; in-laws, Russel and Margaret Dean, Walter Dean, Darrel Krusmark, Irvine Flettre, and Frank Krauter; siblings, Rosalie Colburn, Rueben (Eileen) Colburn, Mable (Bob) Tummel, Frieda (John) Krantz, and Marvin (Maxine) Colburn.