Dean Puffer, 70, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024, at his home.

A Celebration of Life service for Dean and his wife Janis, who passed away in 2021, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel.

A time of fellowship and luncheon will follow at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center.

Interment will be at the Altoona Cemetery in Hitchcock, SD, at a later date.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s website following the service.

Dean A. Puffer was born on February 27, 1954, to Wendell and Lois (Poe) Puffer in Huron, SD. He grew up and attended school in Hitchcock, SD, and graduated from Hitchcock High School in 1972. He then moved to Aberdeen to attend Northern State University, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

On April 27, 1980, Dean married Janis Baird in Claremont, SD, and made their home in Aberdeen. Together, they had two children, Jill and Ryan.

Dean worked as a bartender throughout Aberdeen for many years, including time at The Last Chance, The Spur Lounge, The Lumber Company, and The Circus, before working in circulation at the Aberdeen American News from 2001 until retirement.

Dean was most known for his sense of humor and his love of sports, kids and his family. He was unwaveringly proud of his children, though was disappointed by the Minnesota Vikings year after year.

Grateful for sharing Dean’s life are his children Jill (Timothy) Gillespie of Kansas City, MO, and Ryan Puffer of Rapid City, SD; and siblings: Joanne (Pete) Kopp of SD, Don (Jo) Puffer of Oregon, Dan (Julie) Puffer of Nebraska, and Diane (Jim) Stoley of ND.

Preceding Dean in death are his wife of 41 years, Janis Puffer (Baird), died November 21, 2021; parents: Wendell and Lois Puffer; and brother Duane Puffer.