Dean Milton Victorson passed away peacefully on April 18th surrounded by family. His life was filled with laughter and travel, and a true joy gained from talking to anyone and everyone.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Joyce and Milton, Dean was a typical middle child with a vibrant personality. Anyone who knew Dean recognized the warmth he brought to any situation, and those who did not know him surely heard him coming down the hallway.

It was in homeroom at Roosevelt High School that he first laid eyes on the love of his life, Joanne.  Despite her initial hesitation, his charming personality and persistence eventually won her over. The pair married at Augustana Lutheran Church in 1978, the very church his father helped build.

Dean built a successful career in travel, working for Roberts Hawaii, National Car Rental and the Singapore Government Tourist Promotion Board before starting his own travel agency where he found true joy leading groups of friends on tours around the world. His appreciation for travel was only matched by his love of hockey and concerts which he attended while working at the Xcel Energy Center for 20 years.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents Joyce and Milt, and his in laws, Earl and Edna Gangelhoff.  He is survived by his wife of 47 years Joanne; his sons Jon (Erika), Chase (Catherine) and his ‘adopted sons’ Jaime (Mariana), Hannes, and Nick; his brother Gary (Jan) and his sister Nancy (John.) He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their families, who will especially miss their “UD” (Uncle Dean). Most importantly, he is survived by the light of his life, his grandson Patrick Dean.

The world feels a little quieter now, but not empty, because the kind of presence he had doesn’t just disappear. It stays with us in the stories we tell, the laughter we share.

He had a gift for turning strangers into friends without a second thought, and while he traveled far and wide, it’s the people he connected with who will carry him forward. We like to imagine that if you listen closely, you can hear him, in the middle of introducing himself to everyone in heaven.

Funeral Arrangements for Dean Victorson

Friday April 24th. Visitation at 9AM, Mass at 10AM, refreshments to follow.

St. John Neumann Catholic Church

4030 Pilot Knob Road Eagan MN 55122