Dean Francis, 89, Owatonna

Dean Phillip Francis, age 89, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on May 17, 2025.

He was born on July 11, 1935, in Britt, Iowa, to Frederick Pratt and Mabel Henrietta (Indvik) Francis.

Dean graduated from Owatonna High School in 1955 and married Colleen Margaret Powers on Sept. 29, 1957, in Owatonna.

He went to school in Indcott, N.Y., for tool and die, while working for IBM. In 1972, he transferred with IBM to San Jose, Calif., until 1974. He then moved back to Owatonna, working at Elde’s Auto and Jostens. In 1991, he moved to Oregon and worked with his brother Kenny. After a couple of years, he moved back to Owatonna, and he taught automotive classes through Target Training and sold ICF block until his retirement in 2000. He always seemed to be working at least two jobs during his life. He was always busy doing something.

After his first wife Colleen’s passing, he married Patricia Ginter in Owatonna. They enjoyed traveling and spending their winters in Arizona.

Dean was a member of the Elks, Eagles and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He was also a past member of the Masons.

Dean had an entrepreneurial spirit, always inventing things and looking for a better way to do things. He made friends everywhere, looking for a connection with them. You could often find Dean out in his shop restoring vehicles. He restored many vehicles throughout his life and was most proud of his Model A and his 1940 Ford International. Dean had a sweet tooth and loved Kwik Trip coffee and Dunker Donuts. He loved Fords, John Deere, trains, hot air balloons and especially old-time music. Dean loved to tease people and that’s how you knew he liked you. One of his favorite things was going for rides around Owatonna to check out all the construction sites. Dean will be deeply missed by those that knew him and loved him.

Dean is survived by his wife Pat of Owatonna; daughter Dawn (and Denny Gaul) Caswell of Owatonna; son Dan (and Diane) Francis of Owatonna and stepson Patrick Ginter of Pasadena, Calif.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Mable; his first wife Colleen; sister Donna Bunday; brother Norman; sister Barb Warhurst; and brother Kenny.

Friends may greet the family from 9-11 a.m., Friday, May 23, 2025, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. To share a message of condolence or for more information, please visit www.megercares.com.