MADISON - Willie Dean, age 71, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. He was born on April 1, 1950, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Willie and Wanda (Rosby) Dean. He married Yvonne (Wilford) Dean on Dec. 4, 1978.

Willie worked at American Pouch Food as a Food Analyst for the Armed Services in Chicago, Ill. He also worked as a Security Guard for Madison Metropolitan School District. He retired from Wisconsin Physicians Services in 2015. Willie was also a talented singer and musician. He played the drums and was an avid connoisseur and lover of jazz.

Willie is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and their son, Willie Dean Jr. III.; their three daughters, Deborah Otis, Donna Dean-Slaton (Marcus) and LaWanda Dean; his sister, Miriam Backus (Jim); as well as nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and two granddaughters.

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation-

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life-

Of whom shall I be afraid?

When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh,

When my enemies and my foes attack me,

They will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,

My heart will not fear;

Though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

One thing I ask of the Lord,

This is what I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

And to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

He will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle

And set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;

At his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord;

Be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you,

“seek his face!”

Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me,

Do not turn your servant away in anger;

You have been my helper.

Do not reject me or forsake me,

O God my savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me,

The Lord will receive me.

Teach me your way, O Lord;

Lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,

For false witnesses rise up against me,

Breathing out violence.

I am still confident of this:

I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;

Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

SERVICE INFORMATION- Private Services will be held by the family. Please share your condolences with the family at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Willie Dean

April 01, 1950 - November 18, 2021

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