Florence Dean
Florence Corrine Omdahl was born January 3, 1930, in Cottonwood, South Dakota to Mandus and Sylvia (Scotvold) Omdahl, the seventh of ten children. She received her elementary education at Big Buffalo School and graduated from Quinn High School in 1949.
Florence was united in marriage to Louis “Fay” Dean on September 27, 1951, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip. They started their married life at the Dean Homestead in Grindstone. They moved to Philip in 1956 where Florence was a stay-at-home mom. She then worked for the Philip Meat Locker for several years and also for Hanson’s Super Valu. In 1980 they owned and operated the Philip Card Room. Florence was famous for her roast beef and hamburgers. If she was not cooking you could find her playing cards, or any game, it did not matter. She would play for hours. She taught her grandkids to play cards and cook and also took care of various people – young and old.
Florence loved her family very much. She was the happiest when she was with them. Florence stayed busy until her eyesight became poor. She kept up with birthdays of all her children, grandchildren, and greats. You did not leave her house hungry and if you did, that was your own fault! She always had ice cream or ice cream sandwiches at her house, and she always offered you one. She will be forever missed.
Survivors include three sons Louis Dean Jr. of Belle Fourche, Billy (Wanda) Dean of Yuma, Arizona, and Jack Dean of Philip; two daughters Lou Ann Reckling of Philip and Janet (Mike) Theye of Philip; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Thomas, Oliver, and Vern Omdahl; sisters Mabel Brunner, Helen Franks, Grace O'Dea, Nellie O’Dea, Esther Buhring, and Lucille Omdahl in infancy; and one niece and two nephews.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Friday, August 27, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 28, at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment followed at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 151 Philip, SD 57567.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
