Dean Lloyd Thunstrom, age 84, of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and pets.

Dean was born in Cambridge, Minnesota, to Marvin and Inez Thunstrom. After graduating high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, traveling to many places and forming friendships wherever he went. He carried that same gift for connection throughout his life. In September 2023, Dean participated in the Badger Honor Flight, a deeply meaningful experience he embraced in honor of his late brothers. He was also a proud member of the American Legion.

Following his military service, Dean built a long and meaningful career with the Madison Metropolitan School District as a custodial engineer. To Dean, this work was about far more than buildings-it was about people. He became a steady, trusted presence, especially for the children. He would often tell students that if they worked hard, he would come back and read to their class-and true to his word, he always did. His kindness, consistency, and genuine care left a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Dean was truly a friend to all. He lived with humility, an easygoing spirit, and a dry sense of humor that quietly caught you off guard. He never rushed through life and always made time for others. For someone who experienced many challenges in life, Dean never complained. Instead, he carried himself with quiet strength, often believing others had it harder and choosing compassion over complaint. Whether it was his warm greeting, welcoming smile, firm handshake, familiar hand on your shoulder, or his steady and sincere listening, Dean made everyone feel comfortable, valued, and heard.

His greatest joy was his family, and at the center of that love was his deep devotion to his wife, Patty. Their 62 years together was a true partnership, rooted in love, loyalty, and unwavering support.

He was not just a father-he was Dad. As a loving Dad and proud “padre,” he was the steady rock and biggest cheerleader-always encouraging, always present. As a “grampa" and "granpadre,” he made it his mission to show up for every school event, game, and milestone, cheering louder than anyone else and beaming with pride. He formed special, individual bonds with each of his grandchildren, even creating a unique handshake for each one of them-small gestures that spoke volumes about how deeply he cared.

Dean found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, though it was never really about the fish. He found peace in sitting quietly by the water, looking around, and appreciating the beauty of nature. He loved music of all kinds and especially enjoyed his Wednesday ritual of listening to the three-hour “History of Music” program on WORT, which he affectionately called “going to school.”

He also enjoyed his favorite television programs, including Cajun cooking shows, RFD-TV, and Law & Order. A loyal Wisconsin sports fan, Dean proudly cheered on the Badgers and the Green Bay Packers, while carrying a lifelong, good-natured love-and disappointment-for the Minnesota Vikings.

A cribbage board was never far from Dean. He welcomed anyone willing to learn, jokingly calling new players his “guppies” or “pigeons.” For Dean, cribbage was about connection-with an occasional well-placed swear word when dealt a particularly terrible hand. Winning never mattered as much as the time spent together.

Dean fought for every moment he could share with the people he loved. Though his family wished for more time, they find comfort in knowing he is now reunited with loved ones who went before him. Dean thought himself a small and simple fish leaving little ripples as he swam through life. Though to those who knew him, he made quite the splash! He will be remembered for his kindness, his steady presence, and the way he made everyone feel like they mattered. His was a life well lived-rich in love, friendship, laughter, and simple joys-and he will be deeply missed.

Dean is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; his children, Julie (Kevin) Karpelenia, Lisa (Allen) Grady, Lori, and David; and his grandchildren, Sam (Finch), Jacob (Julia), Benjamin, and Noah (Kimiya); numerous grandpets; in-laws Richard (Janet) Hyland, Gary Schmoldt, Dennis Hyland, Marie Thunstrom, Betty Thunstrom, Myrtice Thunstrom; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Krystal, and six siblings, Paul, Duane, Jerry, Kenny, Beverly, and Carol.

Visitation will be held at Gunderson Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Drive, Monona beginning at 8 am on Monday, June 15, 2026. Memorial service will begin at 10 am. Graveside service will follow at 11:30 am at Highland Memory Gardens, 3054 County Highway BB, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charitable organizations supporting animal welfare, veterans, wildlife conservation, or community care, including Agrace. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Dean Lloyd Thunstrom

June 30, 1941 - June 06, 2026

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