Dean Oliver Hambleton passed away at age 94 on July,19 2026 with loved ones by his side.

Born 7/7/1932, Dean grew up in isle MN. After high school, he served his country and then married his sweetheart Jean Johnson in 1955. They had 4 boys: Mike, Scott, Craig & Wade.

Career highlights include his time as a Welding Instructor at Anoka Tech. He spent 6 years building, designing, & teaching their welding program. After 4 years, his peers honored him as "Teacher of the Year". His passion for teaching welding brought him to Libya, Africa, spreading his knowledge globally. Upon returning to the States, he worked the next 20+ years at Smith Welding Equip, which carried him into retirement. He wasn't done yet though! He repaired mangled boat props out of his garage on Mille Lacs Lake for the next two-plus decades.

Dean & Jean had an open-door policy where their kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and friends would frequently stay over the weekend and many times much longer. If you knew him, you've probably heard, "You come see us again!"

He was an impactful mentor who made most he met feel uniquely valued. Most recently some of his best times involved fishing, making maple syrup, gardening, telling old stories/jokes and looking out through his bay windows as the blazing orange sun dipped down into Mille Lacs Lake while playing cards with his family. Bang!! You might have heard a balled-up fist hit the table if the blasted cards were not cooperating.

Dean's celebration of life will be held at MSA Flagship (5357 Whistle Rd, Isle, MN) Sept. 12th at 1:00pm.