Dean Henry Braaten, 59, of Dexter, Minnesota, left this life unexpectedly on Saturday, June 18, 2016.

Dean was born March 15, 1957, the son of Orlene and Darlene (Kirkpatrick) Braaten. He attended school in Elkton and graduated in 1975 from Southland High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army where he spent some time in Germany. After the service, he took carpentry classes at the Vo-Tech and began his career as a siding and window installer. Dean worked for various local companies and eventually co-owned his own business, Morgan-Braaten Siding and Windows with Steve Morgan.

Dean became a great marksman at a young age. He and his brother, Dave, shot trap and competed locally. Dean acquired many friends through his avid love of racing. He raced a variety of models for over 20 years of his life. Dean also had a passion for motorcycle riding; one of his prized possessions was his Harley Davidson. Hunting and fishing were hobbies Dean enjoyed; he passed this onto anyone that wanted to learn. Dean was an excellent cook. His delicious creations were the center of many family and friend gatherings.

Dean was married to Maribeth Schlee in 2003; that marriage dissolved after eight years. However, the very close relationships with his four stepsons continued until his death.

Those that have preceded him in death are his father, Orlene Braaten, his mother, Darlene Braaten and his sister, Judith who died in infancy.

Dean will be sadly missed by many including his brother, Dave (Cathy) Braaten, Dexter, Minnesota; sister, Jane Barnes, Spring, Texas; four stepsons, Adam Schlee, Seth Schlee, Luke Schlee, Noah Schlee ,their mother, Maribeth and granddaughter, Paisley Schlee all of Grand Meadow, Minnesota; nieces, Jesse Barnes, Angie (Brian) Shaw and Amy (Chad) Johnson; great nieces and nephews, Brody and Gavin Shaw and Marie and Celia Johnson.

There will be a visitation at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Friday, June 24, 2016, from 4 to 8 p.m.