Dean Edward Beneke

Dean Edward Beneke, a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather passed away at his home on December 16, 2025 at the age of 62.

Dean was born on March 14, 1963, in Waconia, Minnesota the son of Noel and Carolyn (Zellman) Beneke. He was baptized at Fairview Lutheran Church in Hopkins, MN. When he was young the family moved to Little Falls where he was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church and graduated from Little Falls High School.

Dean was united in marriage to his first wife, Paula Delatore’ in Panama City, Fl. The couple lived in Florida where they were blessed with a daughter, Sarah.

In the early 1990’s Dean moved to Texas where he met and married his second wife, Kari Hunter. To this union the couple was blessed with two children: Kale & Marina. Dean spent a large part of his working career employed by Sara Lee breads out of Texas. In 2019, he needed a change and found something that he loved – the Ashby Resort. He loved the people that came every summer and the community of Ashby welcomed him with open arms. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards with friends and family.

He will be remembered as a very proud father and grandfather. He adored kids and was always will to help when he could.

Dean is survived by his favorite mom, Carolyn Beneke; three children: Sarah (Andrew) Harrison, Kale (Mikayla) Beneke, Marina (Dru) Beneke; grandchildren: Mia, Hendrixx, Milani, Madden, Macie, Merrit, Emory; brother, Noel; sister, Julie (Phillip) Rhodes along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Noel; grandparents: Carl & Alice Zellmann, Elwin & Frieda Beneke.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, 2:00 – 3:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM. Memorials are preferred to Ashby Legacy Fund.