Dean Kenneth Middlen

Dean Kenneth Middlen, 99, of Sioux Falls, SD died on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.  His funeral service will be 10:00 AM Friday, September 5, 2025 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls, SD with burial at Hills of Rest Cemetery. Visitation begins at 5:00 PM Thursday, September 4, 2025 at George Boom Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, where the family will greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Dean was born on March 12, 1926 (alongside his twin brother, Dale) to William and Edith (Wilka) Middlen on a farm near Granite, Iowa.  In 1928 his family made their home in Sioux Falls, SD where Dean was raised and received his education.  

Dean was united in marriage with Ruth Ann Ferrie on June 7, 1949 at East Side Lutheran Church (Cliff Avenue and Austin Street location).  The couple made their home in Sioux Falls and were blessed with one son, Rick and a daughter, Julie.  Dean spent his working career at John Morrell and Company, driving truck for over 40-years, until his retirement in 1987. In his retirement, Dean worked part-time at Austad’s Golf and Dakota Auto Parts until 2018.    

Dean was a faithful member of East Side Lutheran Church, especially the Saturday evening service, still driving himself to church at the young age of 99.  

Dean was also blessed with a great sense of humor, and kind and gentle soul.  He enjoyed keeping his yard in pristine condition, working in his garden and keeping his car spotless. Above all, Dean loved spending time with his family; especially playing cards and attending activities that his grandchildren were involved in. 

Grateful for having shared his life are two children, Rick Middlen and his wife, Margot, Sioux Falls, SD, and Julie Atwood and her husband, Gene, Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren, Mike Middlen, Andy Middlen, Tommy Middlen, Brian Atwood and his wife, Betsy, and Katie McClure and her husband, Ian; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth in 2014; his parents, William and Edith Middlen; one sister, Dorothy Parsons; twin brother, Dale Middlen; and older brothers, Robert and Charles Middlen.