Dean P. Van Riper

Dean’s Obituary

Dean Paul Van Riper “Deano” of Holmen, WI passed away on July 6, 2024 at age 66. Dean was born in Rantoul, IL on March 6, 1958 to Donald D. and Ardith P. (Hogan) Van Riper.  His family moved to Onalaska, WI in his teenage years where he graduated from Onalaska High School in 1976. After high school he went to a Tech School and got a degree in Electronics. He then joined the U.S. Air Force. When he returned from active duty he joined the National Guards. Dean worked at Flemming Distribution until they closed in 2003. He worked odd jobs till he started at Chart Heating Exchange where he retired in 2021 at age 63.  Dean loved the outdoors, traveling, hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. In his later years he spent his afternoons sitting in our garage with Cooper, our dog, waving and talking to everyone who went by.  Dean was best known as the Grill Master, wearing his Hawaiian shirts, and having a toothpick in his mouth.

Dean is survived by his wife, Kitty; daughter, Leslie Van Riper (Chuck Lindsey); step-son's, Jonathan (Megan) Kemp and Jared (Jess) Swenson; son-in-law, Wade Brown; grandkids, Reece and Alivia Kemp, Rylan Swenson, Elizabeth, Bryce, and Wesley Brown; mother, Ardith Van Riper; brothers, Darryl Van Riper and Bryan (Cheryl) Van Riper; brothers-in-law, Alan (Celine) Williams and George Williams (Maria); along with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He is proceeded in death by his daughter, Amy Brown; son, Jonathan Van Riper; father Donald Van Riper; father and mother-in-law, Jack & Rosie Williams.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Bluebird Family Campground, N2833 Smith Valley Road, La Crosse, WI on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from1:00 to 5:00. Please wear Hawaiian attire. *There is a playground and pond for kids to enjoy.