Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Dean, Oscar H. 1920
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Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net January 16, 2010, 1:08 pm

Ionia Sentinel Standard, 8 Jan 1920

The sudden death of Oscar H. Dean at his home at 821 East Main street, 
Wednesday evening, removed from Ionia one of its pioneer business men, and a 
most respected citizen and merchant.

Mr. Dean was born in Detroit 85 years ago, and came to Grand Rapids while yet a 
boy, living there until he came to Ionia as a young man.  He was one of the 
members of the 21st Michigan infantry, composed principally of Ionia young men, 
and before going into the war, he was married to Miss Alice Johnson, daughter 
of Ethan S. Johnson, one of Ionia’s early business men.  When Mr. Dean returned 
from the war, he was disabled for some time for active work, but later went 
into business with Mr. Johnson.  He then went to Grand Rapids where he was a 
clerk in Kendall’s for some time, and when he returned to Ionia again, he went 
into the dry goods business with By Miller, who married Mrs. Dean’s sister.   
Mr. Dean again left Ionia, this time to engage in the dry goods business at 
Pentwater, where he later served as postmaster, Mrs. Dean being assistant 
postmaster.  Later he went to Lansing, where he was in the auditor general’s 
office.  He again returned to Ionia, at the death of Mr. Johnson, and with C.C. 
Eyster, went into the grocery business at the corner of Jackson and Main 
streets, where the firm did business for about twenty-five years, finally 
selling out last year to John H. Shoemaker.

Mr. Dean is survived by his widow, a brother, Charles Dean, living in Indiana, 
and a sister, Miss Maggie Dean of Otsego, Mich.  Mr. Dean was the oldest member 
of the Episcopal church here, and had received the honorary title of Senior 
Warden Emeritus, on account of his long and faithful service.  He was one of 
the faithful adherents of the church, and was unswerving in his devotion.  
While at Pentwater, he was instrumental in organizing a parish there, and in 
Ionia, he was one of that old pioneer … [missing words] … for so many years.

Mr. Dean was a prominent Mason and Knight Templar, quiet but faithful, in every 
duty and obligation.  In every way his character showed the type of old 
fashioned honorable qualities, which commanded the respect and affection of his 
fellow citizens and friends.

Mr. Dean’s death was a great surprise to this community, for although he had 
been frail for some time, still he had no organic trouble and was in very good 
health for one of his age until the last.  His death was peaceful and quiet, a 
fitting end to a worthy life.  The funeral announcement will be made later.


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