Fargo, ND – Dean Edward Lampe, 76, passed away May 25, 2022 at Sanford Hospital, Fargo, ND due to complications from autoimmune encephalitis.
Dean was born April 15, 1946 in Bloomington, the son of Elmer Edward and Annabelle (Hyde) Lampe. He graduated from Bloomington High School and attended Mankato State University studying business, and later receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.
Dean was united in marriage to Michelle Peterson in 1968. To this union 3 children were born: Melissa, Joshua and Alicia, and they raised them and resided in Thief River Falls.
He spent most of his life as a businessman in the manufactured housing industry. First, managing and ownership of a manufacturing plant until 1992. He then moved to Mandan, ND where he owned and operated a retail dealership with his life partner DeLayne Schmitz. With this union he would gain 3 stepchildren: DeAnna, Darin and Darcy. In 2008 Dean and DeLayne moved to Fargo where he continued his business passion and leadership with his role as Executive Director of FM Ambulance.
Dean was a gifted and passionate musician his entire life. Playing piano and organ in his childhood church, and later playing bass guitar and keyboard in his traveling band “Booked Solid.” In his adult years he pursued a passion for the organ and organ works. He traveled to see and play some of the finest organs made in the world. He had a special love for JS Bach and was so fortunate to travel to Germany to play some of the organs that Bach himself had played. Dean’s greatest gift of music was shared with his children and grandchildren.
Dean was a true creature of habit and had a way of keeping things exactly how he wanted them. He knew what he wanted and loved having the latest and greatest, especially if they were “gadgets.” His most recent “business plan” was working to convince DeLayne of all the reasons why they should adopt a dog.
Dean and DeLayne spent time traveling around the world and made many trips to CA to see his “California girls” DeAnna, Darcy and grandchild Ezella.
He loved time at the shooting range with his friends and son, Josh and was a ND state skeet champion. Dean also loved summer trips to the lake and time with his brother, Dick. He was a devoted Wild, Vikings and NASCAR fan. Dean also loved to fly airplanes and was an instrument rated pilot and logged many hours flying his own plane. He was most content with quiet time spent at home but the visits from his grandkids were the most special to him.
Dean is survived by his life partner, DeLayne Schmitz, of 30 years; brother, Dick (Jackie) of North Branch; children, Missy (Chris) Borgen of Thief River Falls, Alicia Hagen of Thief River Falls, Josh Lampe of Fargo, ND, DeAnna Schmitz Roberts of San Jose, California, Darin Schmitz of Marshall and Darcy (Steve) Sonsini of San Metao, California; grandchildren, Taylor (Scott), McKenna (Tyler), Bennett, Julia (Aaron), Gavin, Gwen and Ezella; and great-grandson, Sammy.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and AnnaBelle.
A Memorial Service was held on Friday, June 3, 2022 at West Funeral Home Chapel in West Fargo, North Dakota.
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