Dean “Deano” Dallum, 89, passed away, Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. He was born May 25, 1937, in Oslo, Minnesota, the son of Orville and Rubye Dallum. He grew up in East Grand Forks with his 2 brothers and 2 sisters, with whom he remained very close throughout his lifetime. Dean graduated from Central High School in 1955. He was a gifted athlete, excelling in football and basketball, which he continued to play at Eveleth Junior College.

Dean started working in carpentry with his dad at a young age. He became a very creative and skilled finish carpenter. He moved to Arizona in 1967 and married Julie Brandt in 1968. They had two children. He continued work as a general contractor with Dallum Construction and built numerous homes, including one of his final projects - a remarkable 18,000-square-foot residence. In 2018, he returned to East Grand Forks and married Cathy Ryan, the woman he first dated in high school and who became his cherished companion. 

Dean held everyone’s attention with his quick wit, interesting stories, and ability to recall countless jokes with perfect delivery. He was meticulous in preparing a variety of unique dishes. Whether he was telling a story, preparing a meal, caring for someone he loved, or playing a game of Rummikub, he brought warmth, humor, and personality to everything he did. Above all, Dean found happiness in life, possessed a compassionate heart, and was utterly devoted to his family. He shared a particularly tender bond with his kids, daughter Kristi and son Jason, offering unwavering support and encouragement throughout their lives. His connection with his son-in-law Chance was equally profound, filled with love, admiration, and cherished memories. Dean was a beautiful soul, a tender caretaker, and handsome as heck. We will miss him deeply and his unforgettable presence will live on in the many lives he touched.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Julie, sister Carmen, and brother-in-law Harold. Dean is survived by his wife Cathy; his children Kristi (Chance) and Jason; brothers Darrell and Barry (Sharon); sister Rheta Johnson; grandchildren Scott (Deandra), Samantha, and Spencer; great-grandchildren Hudson and Harper; and Cathy’s children Mark (Lorri), Bonnie (Jeff), Susan (Curtis), Mary (Steve) and Perry (Michelle).

Thank you to the Altru Intensive Care unit for their impeccable compassion and professionalism in preparing Dean for the journey into eternity.

FUNERAL: 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Dahl Funeral Home, 2029 Central Ave. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721. Funeral will be live-streamed on Dean’s page at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com

VISITATION: One hour prior to the funeral on Thursday also at Dahl Funeral Home.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Altru Critical Care Unit.