Dean Bladow
July 24, 1938 - May 21, 2024
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dean Bladow, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher, and friend after a well-fought battle with cancer. Dean left us on May 21, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, wit, and wisdom that will be cherished by all who knew him. Born on the “Pease Farm” just west of Wahpeton, North Dakota, on July 24, 1938, Dean lived a life full of love and laughter, touching the hearts of many along the way.
Dean's journey began in the small town of Hankinson. He would tell stories about how the high school only having about 100 students enabled him to play varsity in any sport. He excelled in both football and basketball and was an all-conference football player in college. In the spring of 1959 while attending Mayville State Teacher's college, Dean's life took a delightful turn. Amidst the clatter of dishes and the clinking of milk cans in the cafeteria, he met the love of his life, Madelein. Their first date, a college dance, marked the beginning of a beautiful partnership. Their 63-year journey was filled with joy, adventure, and an ever-growing family.
Dean took his teaching degree from Mayville State, and his new wife, to Montana for a teaching assignment in Laurel, Montana, and they never looked back. His passion for teaching was evident in his 37-year career as a math teacher, primarily at Senior High in Billings, Montana. He was known for his patience, dedication, and an uncanny ability to make math fun. His students often left his class with a newfound appreciation for the subject and fond memories of a teacher who genuinely cared. Dean's career was not just a job; it was his calling. He once said, “I think the best job I ever had was the one I did for a career! I was very fortunate to be a math teacher during my lifetime!”
Beyond the classroom, Dean's life was rich with experiences and adventures. Summers were spent coaching little league and softball for his children's teams, stacking hay bales with his son Chad, and furthering his own education, attending various universities and night classes to keep his teaching skills sharp.
After retirement in 1997, Dean and Madelein embraced the joys of travel, exploring the world from the bullet trains of China to the camels of Egypt. Dean had a knack for making even the most exotic locales feel like home, often sharing stories of their adventures with a smile and a laugh.
Dean's love for life extended to his cabin in Cooke City, which he and Madelein built when they retired from teaching. From their lovely cabin at the gateway to Yellowstone, they hosted numerous friends from around the world and often held family reunions. These gatherings were filled with storytelling, reminiscing, and a lot of laughter and priceless memories.
Dean's passing leaves a void in the hearts of his wife, Madelein; his children, Chad (Annalethea) Bladow, Corry (Tim) Leigh, Shannon (Steve) Freel, and Sarah (Jim) Mogen, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Yet, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the lessons he imparted, and the laughter he shared.
In the words of Dean himself, “When we get together, we are still kids!” Let us remember him with the same youthful spirit, cherishing the memories and the love he brought into our lives. Rest in peace, Dean. Your laughter and wisdom will echo in our hearts forever.
A memorial service to celebrate Dean will be held July 5th at the Mount Republic Chapel of Peace in Cooke City, MT. The service will commence at 2:00 PM. Family, friends, and those whose lives Dean touched are welcome to attend and share in celebrating his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pan Foundation a cause close to Dean's heart.
Web addresses (copy and paste into search engine)
- Mount Republic Chapel of Peace: https://mtrepublicchapel.org/location/
- Pan Foundation: https://www.panfoundation.org/about-us/