Dean R. Airhart

Dean Airhart, age 80, of Ada, MN, formerly Gary, MN, died Thursday, February 26, 2015, in Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, MN. Dean Russell was born July 9, 1934, at home near Gary, MN, to Lewis and Dorothy (Rinerson) Airhart. He grew up in the Gary area and graduated with the class of 1952. Following graduation, he remained on the farm and helped with the daily chores. On June 15, 1957, Dean was united in marriage to Karol Swenson at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen, MN. The couple made their home together on the home place where they continued farming. They raised sheep, cattle and harvested grains. In addition to farming, Dean was also a proud salesman for Pioneer Seed Corn for 15 years and he and Karol owned and operated Candlelight Limousine Service for 10 years. The majority of Dean's life was spent living and working on the same farm, until last November when he and Karol moved to Ada, MN. Due to his failing health, Dean moved to the nursing home last week. Farming was not only his occupation but his way of life. He enjoyed the outdoors and being one with nature. It was a very sad day when the last of the sheep were sold from the farm in 2013. In Dean's younger years, he enjoyed being a Boy Scout and also on a bowling league. He was also a member of the Rod and Gun Club. Dean is survived by his wife, Karol, Ada; son, Jeffrey (Jacki Johnson), Grand Forks, ND; daughter, Susan (Mike Simon) Hughey, Park Rapids, MN; two grandchildren, Joe Hughey, Ulen and Sarah (Stefan) Meissner, Jena, Germany; two great-grandchildren, Laila and Ella Meissner, Germany; sister-in-law, Audrey Airhart, Twin Valley and aunt, Gloria Bisek, Crosby, MN. He was preceded by his parents, Lewis and Dorothy (Rinerson) Airhart and a brother, Lyle. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Gary Lutheran Church, Gary. Visitation will be Monday, March 2nd from 5-7 p.m. with a 6:30 Prayer Service at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in the Ada Cemetery, Ada, MN.

Dean R. Airhart

July 9, 1934 - February 26, 2015