Dean Ellsworth Wichern

MADISON- Dean E. Wichern, age 73, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at the UW Hospital. He was born on Mar. 16, 1938, the fifth son of Harold John and Lelah Elizabeth (Hogan) Wichern. Dean was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joan Staskal, in 1962. He was a lifelong resident of Madison. Dean graduated from Madison East High School in 1956, and then proudly worked as a construction surveyor for the City of Madison Engineering Division for 36 years. He was also in the Army Reserve for eight years, serving in the 826 Ordinance Co. Dean worked a total of 40 years in public service. He served as treasurer of Lakeview Christian Church from 1982 until the time of his death. In the summertime, Dean enjoyed playing hardball and softball. He was a proud Packers, Badgers and Brewers fan. Dean will be greatly missed by his beloved family, which includes his wife of 49 years, Joan; children, Jodene Ruiz de Chavez of Madison, Jim (Kris Denis) Wichern of Madison and John (Mary) Wichern of Fitchburg; nine grandchildren, James, Joy (Steve Blakenheim), Jenny and Julia Pfeiffer, Emma Ruiz de Chavez, Josh, Margaret, Jackson Dean and Luke Wichern; brothers, Frank (Leah) and Bill Wichern; sister-in-law, Edythe Wichern; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don, Bob, Hal and Lee Wichern; and son-in-law, Tony Ruiz de Chavez. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. Burial will be at Town of Burke Station Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Memorials may be made in Dean’s name to Lakeview Christian Church, 3529 Margaret Street, Madison, WI 53714. Cemetery: Burial will be at Town of Burke Station Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Dean’s name to Lakeview Christian Church, 3529 Margaret Street, Madison, WI 53714. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. Burial will be at Town of Burke School Cemetery.