Dean Walstad

Dean Walstad, age 65, of Oklee, MN and formerly of Fosston, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 19th, at Essentia Hospital in Fosston. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 28th, at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. Paul Magelssen officiating. Interment will be in Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Military honors will be presented by the National Guard Honors Team, the Oklee American Legion, Bejou V.F.W., and the White Earth Veteran's Association. Arrangements are with the Carlin Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinfuneral.com.Dean Ernest Walstad was born on May 18, 1952 in Maddock, North Dakota to parents Ernest and Wilma Rangen Walstad. They moved to McIntosh, Minnesota when Dean was very young. The family then moved to a farm near Fosston when Dean was 5, attending Fosston Schools until his graduation in 1971.Dean entered the United States Army and served in Germany until he received his honorable discharge in 1975. After his time in the service, he drove truck and did various jobs until he met and married Janell Hansen. From this union, two children were born, Jennifer and David. They lived in McIntosh, Fosston, Wadena, Hallock and eventually settled near Oklee.Dean was known to his friends and family as an amazing mechanic and jack of all trades. He was also a Certified parts and inventory Manager for Ford. Dean was very active in the Oklee American Legion (Post Commander for 5 years), Bejou VFW, and White Earth Veteran's Association-Mahnomen.Survivors include his wife, Janell of Oklee; two children, David of Oklee and Jennifer (Kevin) Mashburn of Hardwick, MN; four grandchildren, Caren Mashburn, Dustin Mashburn, Emily Bjerk, and Ella Mashburn; and other relatives.He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and other relatives and friends.