Dean Brudwick, 87, Mankato

Dean Edward Brudwick, longtime resident of Mankato, died peacefully Aug. 6, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Mankato surrounded by family. He was 87 years old.

A Memorial Service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran, Mankato, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Visitation and refreshments to follow the service in the community room at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Donations may be made to the donor’s choice.

Dean was born Jan. 3,1939, in Austin. He was one of five children born to Emeline and Edward Brudwick. He grew up in Blooming Prairie and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1957. Following graduation, he attended Bethany Lutheran College and Mankato State College earning a degree in secondary education.

Dean went on to teach Industrial Arts and coach from 1963-1998. He continued to coach golf until 2008. He began his career at Rapidan High School before moving to St. Clair High School, Lincoln Junior High School, and finally Mankato West High School. His love for teaching and coaching was reflected in his success as a coach and the respect of his students. His gift for teaching and mentoring young people extended into his summer employment as manager of the North Mankato Swimming Pool.

Dean was a gifted athlete which earned him Hall of Fame honors at both Blooming Prairie High School and Bethany Lutheran College. He was an avid golfer and continued to golf throughout his adult life. Recently, he could still be seen “working on his game.” He had a passion for athletics, coaching both basketball and golf. He was able to coach and mentor hundreds of student athletes throughout his career. His successful coaching career earned him many awards including Section coach of the year, Big Nine Coach of the Year, Minnesota State Coach of the Year and induction into the Hall of Fame at Mankato West High School. While coaching golf at Mankato West High School, Dean took many teams and individuals to the state competition. Two teams and one individual won the state titles during his years as coach. He continued to follow high school and college athletics throughout his life. A talented woodworker, Dean created beautiful furniture and gifts for family and friends that will be cherished forever.

Dean was an active community member as well as an active longtime member of Christ the King Lutheran Church. In 1977, he founded the Blue Devils, the first junior high traveling basketball team in Mankato. He developed a woodworking program at Central High School. He was involved with Habitat for Humanity and Cross Roads Ministry meal program at MSU. With his friendly and generous personality, Dean formed lasting friendships with people wherever life took him-including teams he played on or coached, schools he

attended or taught at, in his church, neighborhood, golf clubs, card clubs and coffee groups.

In high school, Dean met his future wife and love of his life, Margo Anderson. Margo and Dean were married Aug. 30, 1959. This year they would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Together they raised three children: Jody, Julie and Jeffrey. The love Dean had for his family was evident in all that he did. He coached and followed their athletic teams, assisted in school projects, followed their academic pursuits and fostered their interests. He was giving, caring and generous with his time.

After retirement, he spent many hours helping care for his eight grandchildren and recently was enjoying time with his 11 great grandchildren. The children of the family all loved his imagination and playful spirit and have many special memories of their time with their grandfather.

Dean is survived by his beloved wife, Margo; daughter, Jody (David) Schlichte and their family, Jay (Hannah) Schlichte and Alister, Ryan (Brooklyn) Schlichte and Peyton; daughter, Julie (Steve) Kjellgren and their family Matthew (Kari) Kjellgren, Bethany (Ben) Whittier, Micah and Sawyer; Grace (Brandon) Wachenschwanz, Otto and Anna; and son, Jeffrey Brudwick and his family, Macey (Conor) Wanderscheid, Cash, Cannon and Carver; Kellen (Hannah) Brudwick, Abner and Josey, and Errin Brudwick. Dean is also survived by his sister, Isabel (Mike) Taylor, sisters-in-law, Judy Brudwick and Nancy Wooldridge, and many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his mother and father; mother and father-in-law, Otilla and Ormond Anderson; sisters, Jeanette (Harold) Underwood and Shirley Nobel; brother, George Brudwick, two nieces and two nephews.