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Jeff Dean

1955 - 2025

Jeff Dean obituary, 1955-2025, Findlay, OH

FUNERAL HOME

Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay

205 West Sandusky Street

Findlay, Ohio

Jeff Dean Obituary

Jeff D. Dean

Jeff Dean, 69, of Findlay, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2025. Born July 2, 1955, to James and Betty Lou Dean, and married for 45 years to his wife, Jill (Ritter), Jeff is survived by his wife; children, Joshua (Leigh) Dean, Findlay; Jenalee (David) Jacobsen, Columbus; Jordan (Mia) Dean, Nashville, Tennessee; beloved grandchildren, Leona, Linus, and Daisy; sister, Jaimye Bushey, North Baltimore; sister-in-law, Toni (Doug) Lee; brothers-in-law, Jeff (Lana) Ritter and Chuck Ritter, and many nieces and nephews.

He is succeeded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, David Bushey; and beautiful great-niece, Paige Jacobs.

He graduated from North Baltimore High School in 1973, and he earned his undergraduate degree in education from Findlay College in 1977 and a master's from BGSU in 2005. A career teaching 5th and 6th grade to Arlington School students followed, with 35 years in front of the class. Jeff's main interest was science - in particular getting youngsters of that age interested and familiarized with basic physics and astronomy. For most of his career, telescope observation events were conducted not only for the students of Arlington but for other community groups as well. In addition to the yearly viewings, special astronomical events were shared. One of the most satisfying was leading, alongside his sons, a small group of observers in southern Kentucky to view the total solar eclipse of 2017 - and doing it once again, this time from his own backyard in 2024. Two of his most cherished adventures included traveling with his family to the top of Mauna Kea, Hawaii to see some of the world's largest telescopes and embarking on a meticulously planned solo journey along the full length of U.S. Route 66.

Jeff was a small business owner, having created two distinguished operations in Findlay-Dean Sound and, with Doug Lee, DLS Installations. Dean Sound opened shop in 1982 and provides audio production equipment and engineering for large-scale events. Jeff has worked with thousands of performers all over Ohio over his career as an audio engineer, ranging from national touring groups to U.S. presidents. DLS, formed in 2003, sells and installs professional audio systems, and Jeff and Doug have countless systems in place in the area.

Jeff's curiosity led him to research and visit historic sites and events - the odder, the better. A canal buff, he has visited most of Ohio's canal ruins and hiked their towpaths. He and Jill also deeply enjoyed visiting their daughter when she lived in California and exploring the NorCal region.

After services, Jeff's remains will be returned to the dust of this pale blue dot.

The family invites friends and loved ones to honor Jeff's life at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME in Findlay. Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to support the establishment of Jeff Dean Astronomy & Science Exploration Fund. This fund will enable the family to collaborate with Jeff's former friends and colleagues to honor his legacy by fostering scientific curiosity and advancing astronomy education for students of all ages. Contributions can be made through the following GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/f4bbda3b

Online condolences may be expressed to www.coldrencrates.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Courier on Feb. 20, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeff Dean

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Laurie Hemminger

February 21, 2025

My children were in his sixth grade science class at Arlington. They adored him. He was a phenomenal teacher and just a great human being. I really enjoyed listening to my children discuss what they learned from him and impact he made on their education and well being. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace

Mike Peak

February 21, 2025

Jeff was my go to guy for sound at the 5 Christian concerts I did at Koehler. He was a pro and great to work with. I knew nothing but he always had everything under control with these big time artists. He will be greatly missed. A kind and gentle soul

Joan Browne Kose

February 20, 2025

My sincere condolences. I worked with Jeff back in the 80's on various art festivals and thought the world of him. Although I haven't lived in Findlay for 20 years, I was happy to run into Jeff 2 summer's ago & it was like no time had passed since we last talked. He was a good one....

Brooke

February 18, 2025

He was a good sixth grade science teacher

Keith Sansalone

February 17, 2025

Thank you, Jeff, for taking me under your wing and allowing me to work all those Koehler Center concerts with you years ago. It was appreciated more than you know. Your kindness was abundant. Rest in peace.

Mitchell Hailey

February 17, 2025

I recall Jeffs 1st system which i believe was setup in the front yard at the South End of Findlay back in the 70`s.... Need not be said but we've gone back many years. I believe that the last time I saw him was when I was visiting my father at the Briar Hill Assisted living facility in North Baltimore as was Jeff (If my mind isn't messing with me, as usual) I realized that we both had white hair. Shocker.... My best to the family. I know he was extremely proud of the boys for their participation in the music field and on that note. So sorry and well, I'll just let the silence complete this note.

Tim Maag

February 16, 2025

Jeff was my mentor at running sound from many years ago-and a great friend. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for the Dean family.

Craig and Jayne Allen

February 16, 2025

Craig and I have known Jeff for many years. His smile was seen from a mile away. He was always very helpful when doing what he loved, making bands sound good. Sorry to the Dean family for losing such a great guy.

Ian Bowling

February 16, 2025

Mr Dean was a great man. He was a great Teacher, mentor. He will truly be missed!

Jeffrey Taylor

February 16, 2025

Jeff was a great man I met in the late 1970's. We both have a love for music and live performances!! I always know when Jeff was running production and sound my listening experience was going to be enjoyable!! Jeff was respected by many people in the many areas of his life and not just music. R.I.P. my friend until we meet again at the soundboard or a stage in the the Heavenly world!! Jeff Taylor (JT)

Hansel and Jenny Swails

February 15, 2025

please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. praying you will feel the Savior's comforting arms around you. Hansel and Jenny Swails

Tom Griffin & Graham Hartman

February 15, 2025

What can we do to help Jill?

Bev B

February 15, 2025

My heart breaks to lose a dear friend and colleague. Jeff is one of the finest individuals to live among us-a man of character and integrity who led by example. He will live on in the hearts of those he touched. It was an honor and privilege to work with Jeff backstage for many years-he was more than a sound engineer/technician-he was an artist! Jeff made the music sing! RIP, my dear friend. May Jeff´s memory be for a blessing to all whose lives he touched. My deepest condolences to Jill, Josh, Jordan, Jenalee, and Jeff´s entire family. Bev

Mikael Watkins Pietila

February 15, 2025

One of my favorite teachers, hands down. Loved his excitement and enthusiasm for what he taught and how he made it fun. I was only at Arlington School for one year back in 1989-1990. But I have never forgotten the little info tidbits and funny stories that he shared. (Anyone else have ultraviolet and flesh tone for their school colors?!) I'll be seeing you in the stars Mr. Dean!

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

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Memorial Events
for Jeff Dean

Feb

21

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay

205 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, OH 45840

Feb

22

Funeral service

11:30 a.m.

Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay

205 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, OH 45840

Funeral services provided by:

Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay

205 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, OH 45840

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