Dean Wilson

Dean Clark Wilson, 75, of Lonsdale, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dean was born on September 5, 1950, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Bliss and Shirley (Waters) Wilson. He grew up in Appleton and Menasha, where he graduated from Menasha High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison and received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and was a proud member of the Triangle Fraternity. He also played bass guitar in the band Wild Affair.

In 1972, Dean married his loving wife Betty (Weyers), beginning a partnership that spanned more than five decades. Together they welcomed their first child, Sarah, followed by Robyn and Adam. Dean also had a deep affection for animals, especially the many cats he and his family lovingly cared for over the years.

Dean built a remarkable career as an engineer, starting at Chicago Aerial Industries in Illinois, before moving to Colorado where he worked as a Development Engineer at Storage Technology Corporation. During this time, he also dedicated himself to community service as a volunteer and Deputy Chief with the Longmont Emergency Unit, providing emergency response and technical rescue services to the county. Later, Dean and his family moved to Massachusetts where Dean continued designing and architecting innovative technology storage solutions at Data General, Digital Equipment, Quantum, and Maxtor Corporations. He also volunteered at the Barre Sportsmen’s Club in Barre, Massachusetts. Before retiring, Dean worked at Seagate Technology in Minnesota. Over his career, he was the inventor of at least 6 patents, a testament to his love of problem-solving.

A lifelong learner, Dean was endlessly curious and skilled. Whether he was repairing cars, trucks or his tractor, gardening, sewing, longarm quilting, woodworking, cooking a variety of cuisines, welding, or fishing, Dean approached life with creativity and a generous spirit, always willing to share his knowledge and time with others.

Dean is survived by and deeply missed by his wife Betty; his children Sarah Peskin, Robyn and her fiancé Paul Poputa-Clean, and Adam and his partner Crystal Jerin; three grandchildren: Kepler, Adam, and Alina; sister Bonnie (Dick) McKenny and family; sister-in-law Linda (Dennis) Tameling and family; and many other relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bliss and Shirley Wilson; a sister; parents-in-law Dick and Mary Weyers; and brother-in-law Doug Weyers.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel in Woodruff, Wisconsin on Saturday, August 8th starting at 1:00 PM and a memorial service at 3 PM.