Dean Leonard Moen

August 31, 1954 – March 13, 2021

Our beloved brother Dean, age 66, passed from this earth at Lakeview Lodge in Redwood City, California under the care of VITAS Hospice. Dean lived in Glasgow, Montana for all but his last few years, and he loved his hometown! Dementia and related health conditions were a struggle in his last years.

Dean was the youngest child of Mary Ann and Leonard Moen of Glasgow, the boy they had been hoping for. He joined 3 big sisters: Gwen, Norma, and Ruth, and was forever the favorite brother. With a knowing smile he would privately announce that each of us was his favorite. And he had three favorite brothers-in-law too, as well as a bunch of favorite cousins and nieces and nephews. He was a great guy, one-of-a-kind, and we will miss him.

His was a life well lived. Through his trials he remained content, upbeat, silly, kind, loving, innocent, polite, helpful and determined. Oh, and generous, but certainly not when his wallet was involved! His signature John Wayne impression was memorable. Dean was proud to be honored for his 40+ years as a dedicated employee of Albertson's (initially Buttrey's) Supermarket in Glasgow. He started working there as part of his high school program and continued throughout his life. This job allowed him to be a big part of the Glasgow community, and for that we are so thankful. Charlie Tow, his first supervisor in the produce department, taught Deano lessons which helped with his life-long success. We are grateful for the respect and acceptance he received from the entire business.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church of Glasgow and served as an usher for many years. Dean was proud to be a Scottie, with fond memories and tales of Mrs. Schaale and Mrs. Nelson and classmates during those early years of special education.

With the support of our parents, Dean was able to live happily and independently for most of his adult life. He passed many hours doing jigsaw puzzles with a Coke and a "mabel" bar. He played a mean game of Chicken Coop and won his share of rummy games. Dean kept his cherished (epic, really) collection of classic VHS movies (John Wayne or Elvis anyone?) and LP vinyl records (from Johnny Cash to The Beatles) under lock and key but was happy to show it off. You want to know what year a certain Clint Eastwood movie was produced? Just ask Dean. Maybe he didn't know the exact date, but he answered with conviction. He loved the freedom of riding his bike. And he would talk your ear off if you had the time. Thank you, Glasgow, for looking out for him!

Preceding Dean in death were our parents Leonard and Mary Ann, our grandparents, loving uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Grateful for having such a wonderful brother are his sisters and brothers-in-law Gwen Truex (Gary), San Rafael, California; Norma Nakamine (Jim), Novato, California; Ruth Carnal (Steve), Fargo, North Dakota. Surviving nieces and nephews and their families: Grey Truex (Terese), Laird Truex, Nelson Carnal, Juan Carnal, Sandra Mata (Albert), Laurel Hamilton (David Kollerer), Wade Nakamine (Caitlin) and 16 great nieces and nephews. Dean loved his many cousins, and he was so loved. A special thank you to our Glasgow Clowes cousins who were Dean's protectors and cheerleaders during those school years before disability rights were common.

A memorial service and interment of Dean's ashes will be held in Glasgow when it is safe to gather. Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, Montana, Glasgow High School Educational Trust, Milk River Activity Center, or to the non-profit of your choice. Or simply raise a mabel bar or a slice of Eugene's pepperoni pizza in Dean's memory.

We thank God for Dean. Blessed be his memory. See you around, Pilgrim. We love you.