Dean L. Alden

Dean L. Alden, 86, of Preston, Minn., died on Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minn. 

Dean Lavern Alden was born to Wesley and Viola (Kaus) Alden on November 3, 1935, in Clear Lake, Iowa. He moved to LeRoy, Minn., at the age of 15. Dean later went to work for the Preston Creamery, where he worked for a total of 27 years. He took two years off to serve in the Army where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division. He made 16 jumps and served in Munich and Augsburg, Germany for 16 months. 

On January 14, 1961, he married Lois Koch, and to this union three sons were born: Paul and the twins Wesley and Donald. Dean loved horses. He rode in parades and did trail riding. He was also into demo derbys. He drove for many years and won many trophies. Dean and Lois lived in the country most of their lives and took care of a variety of animals such as goats, lambs, baby pigs, dogs, cats, horses and colts.

Dean was a past member of the Preston Jaycees and the Preston Servicemen’s Club, served on the Preston ambulance crew, and was a member of the Preston Western Saddle Club. He was also a member of the VFW #184 in Pine Island, Minn. Dean loved spending time with his family, playing cards, attending horse shows and rodeos, and watching NASCAR. 

Dean is survived by his wife of 60 years (almost 61), Lois of Preston; sons Paul of Englewood, Calif., Wesley (Sue) of Preston, and Donald (Darla) of Pine Island, Minn.; grandchildren Kyle and Riley, step-granddaughter Wendy, and step-great-grandaughter Josslyn. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald and Duane, sister Sherill, nephew Bruce, and mother-in-law Myrtle Koch. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the church hall at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston from 12-4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, with Pastor Dan Bredberg officiating. 

Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.