Dean Mann, longtime residence of Sioux Falls, died July 31, 2024, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD, with his family by his side. He was 92.
Funeral Service will be 10:00 am Wednesday, August 7, at Hope Lutheran Church, 1700 S. Cliff Ave. Interment with military rites will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.
The funeral service at the church will be live-streamed. Please click on the link to go to the church webpage; https://www.facebook.com/hopelutheransf/
Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 4:00 – 6:00 pm Tuesday, August 6, at Miller Funeral Home Downtown, 507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD.
Dean Douglas Mann was born April 3, 1932, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Harry J. and Beth E. (Roster) Mann. He attended Sioux Falls public schools and graduated from Washington Senior High School where he was a four-year letter winner in track. Dean joined the National Guard while a junior in high school. Following high school, he served on active duty during the Korean War with the 147th Field Artillery of the South Dakota Army National Guard.
On October 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Lorraine Carlson in Sioux Falls. They were loving parents to one daughter, ReNae. They made their home in Sioux Falls their entire 59 years of marriage except for one year in Lawton, OK. Lorraine passed away on September 16, 2013, just days shy of their 60th wedding anniversary.
Following his discharge from active duty, Dean remained in the National Guard. In 1953, he received a direct commission to 2nd Lieutenant, attended Artillery School and continued a military career that would extend over 37 years. Dean was a leader and led by example. He commanded the 1st Battalion of the 147th Field Artillery Brigade, the 147th Field Artillery Brigade, and he retired from the National Guard in 1982 as the Assistant Adjutant General for South Dakota with the rank of Brigadier General. He spent the next three years in the Army Reserve. Dean loved serving his country and was proud to be a veteran. He received many military awards including the Legion of Merit. In 2022, Dean was recognized for his service by participating in the Midwest Honor Flight experience. The greatest honor and recognition he received for his military leadership and accomplishments was the new South Dakota National Guard Readiness Center built in his name, the BG Dean Mann Readiness Center. Dean was humbled by the recognition and would often say, “I can’t believe it. I’m so honored.”
Not only was Dean a leader, but he was also a mentor and coach to many students and athletes. He graduated from Augustana University in 1957 with a teaching degree, where again, he was a four-year letter winner in track. In the fall of 1957, he started a 36-year career with the Sioux Falls Public Schools. He received his master’s degree from USD in 1964. He taught business education at Washington High School (WHS) for 28 years and was the Director of Athletics for the Sioux Falls School District for eight years. While at WHS he was an assistant track and cross-country coach for 13 years and head track coach for nine years. He was selected South Dakota and Regional Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1978. In that same year, he was nominated for the National Cross Country Coach of the Year. Dean received many honors and awards for his lifelong dedication and work in athletics. In 2007, he received two awards that he cherished the most. He was inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, and he received a national award as the National Active Official of the Year for all sports. Track and field was his passion and he shared it with others.
Dean began an officiating career in 1953 that lasted 55 years. He worked basketball and football games and refereed high school and college track meets. He was a track and field rules interpreter and presented information at track and field rules meetings and clinics. He was the official starter of the NCAA Division II Indoor Track Meet for five years, a highlight of his starting career.
The Howard Wood Dakota Relays was a labor of love for Dean. He first worked the Dakota Relays as a freshman at WHS. He ran in the Relays for three years in grade school, three in high school, and four in college. In 1957, he started a 65-year relationship with the Relays. He was Assistant Clerk of Course, Assistant Meet Director, Meet Director, and was on the Board of Directors for over 20 years. Each year, Dean enjoyed the challenge of improving the Relays for the athletes. For his passion and contributions in the sport, he was named Honorary Referee in 2004. Dean’s biggest joy was being able to be part of the Relays with his daughter, ReNae, for over 50 years.
Dean was a servant in many ways. He was very active in the state of SD, his community, and church. He was a member of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the American Legion for 73 years, member of the Post 15 funeral Honor Guard, and member of the executive committee. He was a life member of the DAV and member of the Elks Club and Moose Lodge. Dean also served as the State Director of Selective Service. Dean’s faith was a significant part of his life. He was a devoted servant in his church, Hope Lutheran. He served as a Deacon, board member, Sunday School teacher, reader, greeter and usher.
Besides athletics, Dean enjoyed watching Westerns, reading, and had a passion for fishing. He absolutely loved to fish, especially with his family and friends at Lake Traverse and at walleye tournaments on the Missouri River. He seldom missed a National Guard Recruiters fishing tournament.
Dean’s greatest accomplishment was the love he had for his family. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He cherished the days he spent fishing with Greg and ReNae and was so proud of Libbie when she caught her first fish. The entire family enjoyed their summer home at Lake Traverse. They spent quality time there, relaxing, fishing and playing the card game, 65. He was proud of their life accomplishments. Growing up, ReNae was a constant companion at athletic events; in her younger years, Libbie was also at his side. Dean and Lorraine enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends and especially enjoyed their Alaskan cruise. Dean touched the lives of so many and he cherished every friendship he made along his life’s journey. He always had a smile on his face and a good story or joke to tell.
Dean is survived by his daughter ReNae (Greg) Hays, Brandon, SD; granddaughter, Libbie Hays, Sioux Falls, SD; sister, Judy (Les) Kizer, Longmont, CO; brother, David, Livermore, CA; brother-in-law, Derald Espeland, Sioux Falls, SD; nieces, Linette (Randy) Dump, Luann (Brian) Hanson, Patricia (Andy) Welch, Jaime (Mike) Vance and nephew, Lane (Pam) Espeland; and his cat Harvey. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and stepparents, sister Karen Espeland, sister-in-law Sarah Mann, brother-in-law LeRoy Carlson, and niece, Jennifer Mann.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Dean be directed to Hope Lutheran Church, the Dean and Lorraine Mann Track Scholarship Fund at Augustana University, the Howard Wood Dakota Relays Scholarship Fund, All Cats Rescue, or program of choice.
