Dean Bargen

October 08, 1950 - November 03, 2025

Obituary

Dean Craig Bargen, lovingly known as Papa or Deano, was born on October 8, 1950, in Mountain Lake, MN to Menno Bargen and Nancy Bargen (Henry).

Dean lived in Mountain Lake, MN until the age of two, where the Bargen Family then moved to Billings, MT. He completed his high school education and worked as a postal service worker for 3 years following high school. Dean remained in Billings until he was 21 years old before moving to Texas. He lived there until 39, and it was at this age that he went into treatment for alcoholism. From that point on, he remained sober until his passing, 36 years of sobriety, something Dean was proud of. Dean used his own experience and voice to advocate for those with their own personal struggles. He impacted many lives through his advocacy.

Dean met Connie Bargen (Edwards) in 2003, and they married on December 11, 2004.

In life, Dean was a contractor, owning his own business, Bargen Construction, for 34 years. He serviced many families and was always willing to help anyone with “fix-it” jobs. Dean was greatly involved in his community, attending church, making many friends among the congregation of Emmanuel Baptist Church. He was also involved in AA, Divorce Care, and was a part of celebrations of recovery for many peers in the program.

He had many hobbies; he enjoyed woodwork and loved improving his and Connie’s home with renovations and add-ons. Dean adored his daughters Andrea and Danni, loving any time he was able to spend with them and his beloved grandchildren.

Dean is preceded in death by his father Menno Bargen, his mother Nancy Bargen, and his nephew Darin.

Dean is survived by his wife Connie Jo Bargen, his daughters Andrea and Danni, his Mother-in-law (Mommy) Kay Pfeiffer, his sister-in-law Vickie Egan, Terrie Warren, and brother Richard Bargen. Other survivors include Amy Bargen-Siler, Deanna Hansom and 3 grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church with a luncheon to follow. Please join the family in celebrating a life well lived. For those who cannot make the service, a livestream is available at this link here: https://boxcast.tv/view/dean-bargen-memorial-service-fb7hjnuseibno80xhers

Events

Memorial Service

Mon Nov 17, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT

Emmanuel Baptist Church • 328 S Shiloh Rd, Billings, MT 59106

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Nita Bargen

Family • 4 months ago

Oh gosh. I’ve just heard of Deans passing. I’m so sorry. I wish my boys (his great nephews) would have had the opportunity to have known him. I’m so very sorry for your loss. He was always such a kind soul to me.

Vickie Egan

Family • 5 months ago

Dean has been in the heart of my sister bringing her and her family so much joy and a home of love and support. Dean was in-step with Connie in faith and life. I thank Dean for all the love and life gifts he shared with Connie. Dean will remain in our hearts always.

Roger Clemmons

Coworker • 5 months ago

Deano, To quote Dan Bummer when I told him of your passing, and I will take this out of context, we're losing all the good ones. Dean Bargen, the 1st hippie long hair that I can remember going to work at the Billings PO. And Wayne Bramble(Bolly) never let you forget it. It was great to see you after your return from Texas. You did remarkable things after became sober. Just a funny memory; Kautsky and I were trying to determine the name of the group that was singing a certain song and you just raised your middle finger and we guessed the group name immediately. Great times on the Ord Belt, loading and unloading trucks and so on. Bolly dressed all in red for the Christmas season. BTW, tell him hi from all of us still upright. You will be missed but as you can tell, we have out memories,

Tom Kraft

Friend • 5 months ago

Dean was an old friend from 510 Cook days. He got sober and never lost site of the gift he'd been given in sobriety. He was also a pretty darn good carpenter. Blessings to Connie and all others grieving his loss. Dean was one of the good ones.

LeAnne Tibesar