Dean E. Antonsen
Dean E. Antonsen, 95, of Rapid City, SD, passed away on December 10, 2024.
He was born in Geddes, SD on February 4, 1929 to parents Paul and Ella (Hogen) Antonsen. Dean graduated from Platte High School. He then started his studies at SDSU looking to become a veterinarian. He was drafted into the army leaving his schooling behind. He served in the Army from May 1951 and was honorably discharged in April 1953 after serving in the Korean War.
He married Mary R. Turnis on April 14, 1956. They moved to Kadoka and made their home raising their six children; Kent (Lori) Antonsen, Jim (Debbie) Antonsen, Karla (Clinton) Herman, Jean (Mike) Haley, Mike (Sherri) Antonsen, DeeAnn (Wayne) Barber. Dean and Mary owned the Locker Plant in Kadoka for 19 years. They then retired and moved to the Black Hills.
Dean was a man of integrity, shared his strong faith, family values, and carrying out a great work ethic as he lived his daily life in which he instilled in his family. He was blessed with 21 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Dean was a man of little words except while he was watching sporting events when he always enjoyed getting in his two cents. He never raised his voice at his family but you knew he was upset when his bottom lip started to quiver. Dean enjoyed spending time with family, woodworking, gardening, attending sporting events and playing cards to name a few. He was a member of Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church. Throughout his life he always was active in his church, community, and was a lifetime active Legion member. Dean was a loving, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
He leaves behind his wife Mary of 68 years, his children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren along with his sister Annette Hysell, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Gone before him was a grandson Todd Michael Antonsen, his parents, two sisters and four brothers.
Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Our Lady of the Black Hills, Piedmont, SD with Rosary to begin at 9:30 am MST, 10:00 am will be Visitation, 11:00 am Funeral Mass, followed by lunch in the Church. Burial will take place at 2:30 pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD.
