"Sadly, we were unable to attend Dean?s Memorial as we are still recovering from Covid-19. Dave?s friendship with Dean goes back back many years ago as they worked together with the Arizona Council for Exceptional Children. Dave and Dean worked on Vocational Evaluations at the Scottsdale School District. They also worked together at the Glendale Union High School District. Dean was pleasant to work with and always willing to help as needed. Dean will be missed by so many, including us. Fondly, Dave and Claudia Roels "
In loving memory of
Dean Petersen
May 6, 1952 - June 28, 2021
Dean Petersen, (affectionately known to many as "Deano", "Dean the Dream" or "Papa") passed peacefully surrounded by family and in the arms of his loving wife, Kate, on June 28th, 2021. He was 69.
Dean was born in Ogden, Utah and graduated from St. Joseph's High School, The University of Utah, and The University of Arizona for his Masters degree (though has since converted to a lifelong Sun Devil fan).
Dean passionately committed 40+ years to school districts across Arizona and touched the lives of countless students and educators. He retired from Glendale Union in 2010 as Assistant Superintendent and continued his passion for Career and Technical Education at West-Mec for five more years. He is remembered by his colleagues for his respect and warmth (he was well known for his bear hugs), his leadership and dedication, his humor, and his love and pride for his family.
Family was always at the center of Dean's life. He coached nearly every little league team, fanatically attended high school and college football games (and even practices!), made time for family dinners every night, and loved his wife unconditionally as a steadfast lifelong partner. Some of the lessons we all learned from Dean included: Lighting up a swisher sweet cigar will quickly get the fish to biting; Education is powerful and critical, especially when it goes beyond core subjects and reaches everyone; Exaggerate for impact; Treat everyone, no matter what, with respect and kindness... and many more. Dean was the proudest and the biggest fan of his sons and grandsons. They will live and strive to honor the words he shared so often - "Remember who you are and what you stand for".
Dean is survived by his wife, Kate, his two sons, Matthew (Jill) and Tyler(Adrienne), grandsons, Brock and Hayes, brothers Drew(Sandy), Dale(Dottie), Don(Andy), sister, Natasha Brunson(Joe), sister in law, Debra Baker, and many nieces and nephews.
Dean and family reluctantly but faithfully accepted his fate at the hands of his cancer and enjoyed many precious moments in his final few weeks. Kate and Dean beautifully renewed their vows on their 40th wedding anniversary (June 13th) in a ceremony filled with love, live music, and laughter. He has now moved on to his next calling to rejoin his mother and father, Ruth Ellen and Drew in eternal life.
There will be a celebration of Dean's life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at St. Patrick's Catholic Community Church, 10815 N. 84th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in honor of Dean Petersen to Banner Health Foundation, 2901 N. Central Ave., Suite 160, Phoenix , AZ,85012, designated to Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center or to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
Tributes
"I met Dean on the first day of class in the 6th grade at St Joseph's Grade School in Ogden, Utah. I had just transferred there from public school and I was way behind. I was so bad at math that our teacher recruited Dean to tutor me during recess. Dean found me to be a tough student but it started a friendship that lasted the rest of my life. Dean was always in my corner. In high school I was the catcher and Dean was a star pitcher. I remember Dean hitting a home run while we played a game at Ogden High School. When we graduated, Dean and I took Ruth-Ellen's (Dean's Mom) new car on a trip to Southern Utah. We loaded the trunk with Spanada wine and beer and spent a week touring. Dean liked to combine Spanada wine with beer to make a drink he called "Purple Jesus." When we got back to Salt Lake we went to a wedding in T-shirts with purple wine stains on them. I spent many a Christmas Eve at the Petersen home at his "Come All Ye Faithful" parties. There are many other stories I could tell but in the interest of decorum I will spare you. Dean was proud of his family especially his boys and Kate and grand kids. He talked to me about them whenever we had conversations. I was proud of Dean when he taught and became an administrator in Phoenix. I became close to Tyler when he lived in San Francisco. Tyler called me to let me know that Dean had passed. I think about Deano every day and miss him. Lew Chartrand"
"Dean was a friend and a great educator. He did many good things to serve youth . I enjoyed the time spent with Dean in Arizona working in CTE. He will be missed. Rest In Peace. "
"I will remember Dean for his graciousness, his ready smile, his can do attitude and dedication to education. Especially Career and Technical Education. We in CTE and West-MEC will remember Dean always and know he is smiling down on all of us that we continue the good work that he so believed in. YOU are remembered Deano, always and forever. Greg Donovan"
"Dean was a wonderful friend and mentor to so many. Education, and Career and Technical Education in particular, is in a better place because of his dedication and vision."
"Such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend and human being. I still can't believe he's gone. We'll surely miss him."
"Sorrowfully we will not be able to attend Dean's celebration of life as we will be out of town. He was a special person and will be missed on many occasions. Sympathy and prayers for Kate and the boys and their families. Ray and Bonnie Evans"
"A great educator and my 'boss' for several years in the Glendale Union High School District. He was smart and compassionate. He will be missed."
"One of the few people that greeted everyone with a smile and good news. He was a pretty amazing guy who worked to improved educational opportunities for students. He is missed. "
"Dean always made me smile. I see him helping at summer conference with the happiest face , giving the biggest hugs. He will be missed. "