Dean D. Dawson, age 87, of Barron, was called home by our Heavenly Father early Sunday morning, November 8, 2020 after a short illness. Caroly, his wife and devotion for more than sixty-five years was near.

Only child of parents, Ethel and John Dawson, Dean was born December 11, 1932 in Barron which was home for his entire life.

After graduating in 1951 from Barron High School, he began working with Ebner Box, formerly in Cameron, and shortly thereafter served in the US Army.  Prior to enlisting, Dean met and fell in love with Caroly and upon his honorable discharge, they were married in Rice Lake on July 2, 1955, making their home in Barron.  Dean had returned to Ebner's and in 1964 found his calling in the cab of a Mack truck.  Hauling logs and delivering freight most anywhere in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan over millions of miles, his strong work habits were instilled in sons who often rode along. Dean first retired in 1994 at age 62 and less than two years later, with encouragement from Caroly, he got back in the cab to haul for Paul Millerman Trucking and later Hanson's Hardwoods of Cameron.  At 83, Dean finally hung up his keys in 2016.

Dean shared his love of family and the outdoors with his four sons, Brian, John, David, and Mark.  In his quiet time, he could be found driving a bus for the local scout troop, canoeing, fishing, hunting with his sons, or friends, Jerry and Charlotte.  Together with Caroly, they enjoyed gardening, managing yard work, berry picking, relaxing and catching bluegills and northerns at the family cottage, playing cards with Caroly’s siblings and spouses, and traveling to visit the boys and their families in Arizona, Idaho, South Dakota, Maine, California, southern Wisconsin or wherever they made their homes.  All the while, Dean was an active and participating member of Salem Lutheran Church in Barron where he served the congregation in many capacities.

Dean is survived by Caroly, his wife of 65 years; Brian, his wife, Cathy and their daughters, Hannah and Elora, John, his wife, Sue and their children, Jesse, Joshua (wife Shannon) and Christina, Mark, his wife, Joan and their children, Matthew and Julia; and daughter-in-law, Jane, and her boys, Nick and Ben.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and son, Dave who went to prepare the way in October, 2017.

Brothers Mark, John and Brian have chosen to delay the celebration of Dean's life until such time in 2021 when the health and travel safety of all family members and concerned friends and relatives can be assured.

Interment will be in Wayside Cemetery, Barron.

The Dawson family has asked for those wishing to memorialize Dean, to please consider offering donations to Judy's Cottage c/o Golden Age Manor, 220 Scholl Ct., Amery WI 54001-1440, phone (715) 268-7107.  Please do not send flowers as they cannot be accepted.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Nov 11, 2020 7:49 am CST