Dean Stanley Schleif

WINDSOR/MADISON/COTTAGE GROVE-Dean S. Schleif, age 75, passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, after complications related to his C.O.P.D. He was born in Portland Township on March 25, 1940, to Vera (Schaller) and Stanley Schleif. Dean and his family made frequent moves but ultimately settled in Windsor. There Dean played football at DeForest High School and met the love of his life, Helen. Helen (Grob) and Dean were married on Aug. 15, 1959. They started out their married life in Windsor and then moved to Madison to raise their two sons, Keith and Jeffery. Dean worked, and boy did he like to work! He almost never had just one job at a time in his entire life. Dean worked at the U.W. Dairy Cattle Center for 36 years, retiring in 1997. He continued to work as a small engine mechanic until his illness in 2014. His last job was driving for Badger Bus, transporting kids with disabilities to school. Dean was a kind, gentle man. He laughed easily and hugged big! His passions were all things FARM. Dean liked the animals, the equipment, the smell and the experiences he could have on a farm. He had a wonderful tractor collection that took years to accumulate and was very special to him. Dean loved his tools and took great pride in showing people how to fix anything. This "fix-it" ability stuck with one son but not the other. And we won't say which is which! If you wanted to see Dean's face light up, have one of his granddaughters walk in the room! He loved being with each and every one of them and they felt his love and support 100%. Dean is survived by his wife, Helen; sons, Keith (Kathy) Schleif and Jeffery (Mary) Schleif; the true joys of his life, his five "sweetheart" granddaughters, Kelsey (Dan) Schleif, Brenna (Joe) Pecosky, Taylor, Anna and Carly Schleif; four brothers and sisters-in-law that were dear to him, Doug (Claudia) Grob, Ken (Jean) Grob, Stan (Mary) Grob and Monty (Deborah) Grob; and also his beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Dan. Funeral services will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015. We would like to invite friends and family to a visitation at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's Hospital. They were warm and comforting to us at such a sad time. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420