Paul L. Dean

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Louis Dean, age 62, of Lino Lakes, Minnesota after a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Paul passed away peacefully at home on October 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Sue Dean; his mother, Diane Daniels; sister, Jaci Cartwright; brother, Pat (Barb) Dean-Hendricks; daughters, Jill (Ariel) Lopez, Katie (Jayson) Cooper, and Abbie (Tony) Nissen; and grandchildren, Brolin, Olivia, Aila, Mackenzie, and Hazel. He will also be dearly missed by his loyal companion of 18 years, his therapy cat Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Virginia Olsen; father, Jerry Dean; stepfather, Jim Daniels, and sister, Jari (Fred) Robinson.

Paul was born in Sumter, South Carolina, and grew up as a proud military kid. His family moved to Minnesota in 1974, where he attended and graduated from Anoka High School.

In 1983, Paul met the love of his life, Sue Thielbar. After their first date, he told his grandmother that he was “going to marry her”—and within a year, he did. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family, raising their daughters and buying their first home in Circle Pines.

Paul owned and operated his own construction company for 18 years and later worked as a Building Maintenance Manager and Event Coordinator at the James J. Hill Reference Library, and in Facilities at the MacPhail Center for Music. He held a Boiler’s License and took great pride in his craftsmanship and mechanical skill. Paul was also an active member of the Boy Scouts, sharing his love of the outdoors and hands-on learning, and he participated in Ducks Unlimited, supporting wildlife conservation and the protection of natural habitats.

A dedicated son, husband, father, and grandfather, Paul’s love for his family was unwavering. His greatest joy came from time spent with his five grandchildren—attending choir and band concerts, soccer and football games, robotics competitions, family fish fries, barbecues, and evenings around the bonfire. Nothing brought him more pride than being “Dad” and “Grandpa.” He loved cheering on those he loved most.

Paul was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and connection to God in nature. Fishing, hunting, and maintaining his home and property were among his greatest joys. Some of the family’s fondest memories were made on trips to Hoot Owl, Itasca State Park, Wambolt’s, Big Marine, the Boundary Waters, and Lake McCarthy.

Paul’s absence leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy of love, loyalty, and hard work will live on in his family and friends. He always reminded those closest to him that he “loved you more.”

May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. May his light forever shine brightly in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Family and friends are invited to join in remembering and celebrating Paul’s life. Please bring a story, memory, or reflection to share. Following the service, please join us for light refreshments at Invisible Wounds Project 840 Lake St. S, Unit B, Forest Lake, MN 55025. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Paul’s honor.