Dean M. Heiden

73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Dean was born April 13, 1949, in Appleton to the late Gilbert and Joyce (Bahr) Heiden.  He graduated from Seymour High School in 1967 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country during his time of service and after a tour in Vietnam was honorably discharged in 1971.

Dean had an unmatched work ethic and always pushed himself to learn. In 1987, Dean earned his Associates Degree in Applied Science from the Fox Valley Technical Institute. That opened the door to several opportunities before he found his calling at Prospect Fasteners in Wauconda, IL. There he served as packaging manager for nearly two decades until his retirement in 2018 – rarely missing a day of work.

Following retirement in Illinois, Dean returned home to Wisconsin, or "God's Country" as he loved to say, in the fall of 2020. He past the time cooking, relaxing and watching sports, especially his beloved Wisconsin teams (Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Milwaukee Brewers). Dean also had the ultimate sweet tooth and was known to make a meal out of chocolate and any homemade desserts.

The only thing Dean loved more than Wisconsin was his family. Dean is survived and will be missed beyond measure by his three daughters: Jennifer (Gerry) Hinderberger, Traci (Scott) Harris and Lindsey (Rob) Jager; his six grandchildren: Kirsten, Kamdyn, Keegan, Kinsley, Julian and Cameron Dean; his siblings: Gary (Jan) Heiden, Jim (Alice) Heiden, Tom (Bonnie Daniels) Heiden, Joy Lynn (Harold) Ellenbecker, Steve (Pam) Heiden, Laurie (Geno) Linzmeyer and Jill Stephani; cousin Melissa (Kyle Roux) Schumacher; and his many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; uncle and aunt, John and Marilyn Stein; cousin, Robert Schumacher; and nephew, Zachary Heiden.

A celebration of life will take place privately with family and he will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton. Online condolences are welcome and a memorial fund is being established.