Clarks Grove – Dean Walter Wegge, 66, of Clarks Grove, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his home.
Born on September 25, 1959, in Pennington County, Minnesota, Dean was the son of the late George and Clara (Thoreson) Wegge. He attended school in Newfolden, before graduating in 1977. Following high school, Dean worked alongside his father on the family farm. He later spent a short time in Oklahoma before returning home to once again farm with his father. Eventually, Dean purchased a farm of his own, where he raised and showed Galloway cattle for many years.
After downsizing his farming operation, Dean began raising Bernese Mountain Dogs, with his beloved Hanzel holding a special place in his heart. Known for his strong work ethic, Dean later worked at Central Boiler in Greenbush.
In 1998, Dean married Brenda Hamilton. Together they built a life centered on family, raising their son, Justus, along with Brenda’s daughters, Bryana and Chasidy. Their home on the farm was filled with lasting memories. In 2003, the family relocated to Owatonna, where Dean worked as a diesel mechanic at Curt’s Truck and Diesel, and most recently at Keck’s Repair.
Dean was a phenomenal mechanic who took great pride in teaching his son the ins and outs of anything mechanical. From showing him how to drive a lawn mower to working on larger equipment, Dean shared his knowledge with patience and care. Gifted with his hands, he also enjoyed riding his motorcycle along gravel roads; especially one he built himself from a simple frame and a box of parts.
Dean found joy in the outdoors. He loved camping and fishing, and he especially enjoyed hunting, always looking forward to “open season.”
Those left to cherish Dean’s memory include his son, Justus Wegge, and Justus’s mother, Brenda (John) Saufferer; stepchildren, Bryana Molskness, Chasidy Haus, Jared Sandahl, and Erica Engman; sisters, Debbie Willert, Bobbi Anderson, and Jennifer (Tree Rose) Wegge; nieces and nephews, Chelsea Soland, Dustin Harkin, Joshua Harkin, to whom Dean was Godfather, Andrea Johnson, Nathan Wegge, and Amy Rosengren; aunt and Godmother, Bonnie Elseth; and many other extended family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, George and Clara Wegge, Dean was preceded in death by his great-grandparents; a sister, Cindy Soland; a nephew, Jamie Soland; and his loyal pet, Hammer.
Much like his mother, Dean will be remembered as a gentle soul with a calm and quiet nature.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 1:30–3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Friedrich’s Funeral Home, 217 W. Division St., New Richland, MN.
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