Dean E. Lund

Dean Edward Lund, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, farmer, veteran, and faithful servant of God, passed into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the age of 92. He died peacefully at his home in Maple Ridge Township, surrounded by three generations of his family.

Dean was born on September 29, 1933, on the family farm in Springvale, Minnesota. He attended the Springvale Country School through eighth grade before taking the bus to Cambridge High School, where he graduated in 1951.

In 1954, Dean received a very important letter that began with the word “Greetings.” He proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army, where he served for two years. When given the opportunity to continue his military career, Dean chose instead to return home to Springvale to farm alongside his father and brother.

On July 7, 1962, Dean married the love of his life, Marie Anderson. Together they built their home and life on their farm in Maple Ridge Township. While continuing to farm, Dean and Marie welcomed three sons and created a home rooted in faith, hard work, and family.

In addition to farming, Dean worked at the Cambridge State Hospital for 31 years, retiring in 1997.  Even in retirement, Dean remained devoted to the farm, continuing to grow hay and sharing with his grandchildren the joy—and hard work—of baling hay during the summer months.

Dean received one of his greatest promotions in 1990 when he became a grandfather. His seven grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he delighted in teaching them his love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, John Deere tractors, and the importance of family. Many treasured Sunday afternoons were spent exploring the farm with Grandpa, whether on foot or riding the four-wheeler.

A humble man, Dean rarely spoke about his accomplishments, yet his life reflected a quiet dedication to serving others. He shared his talents through his work on the Midland Co-op Board and in various roles at Springvale Baptist Church, where he was a lifelong member. His faith was evident not only in his words but in the way he lived his life—with integrity, kindness, and steadfast commitment to those around him.

Dean lived a full and active life, caring for his beloved farm until the very end. In fact, he was still mowing five acres of lawn just one week before entering hospice care.

Dean’s sons and their families had the honor of caring for him during his last days, with the support of the dedicated nurses and CNAs of St. Croix Hospice, whose compassionate care brought comfort to Dean and his loved ones. The family is grateful for the outstanding medical care Dean received from the Cambridge Medical Center and the St. Cloud VA Medical Center.

True to his independent spirit, Dean was able to live life on his own terms and leave the farm “feet first,” just as he always said he wanted. Remarkably, he entered and left this world only one mile apart, spending all 92 years connected to the land and community he loved.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Claus and Lydia Lund; his beloved wife, Marie; and his siblings, Bob and Doris.

He is lovingly remembered by his sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Debbie, Darrell and Julie, and Brent and Candi; his grandchildren, Chris (Carlie) Lund, Rebekah (Sam) Nordlund, Amy (Jeff) Kraemer, Laura (Sam) Kim, Ben (Katie) Lund, Nora Lund, and Luke Lund; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Bentti and Violet Nordlund, and Brooks Lund.

Dean’s legacy lives on in the faith he shared, the values he taught, the land he loved, and the family he cherished. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that he is now home with his Savior and reunited with those who have gone before him.

Memorial Service 11AM, Monday, June 22, 2026 at New Hope Community Church, Cambridge. Visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment in Springvale Baptist Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dean E. Lund, please visit our floral store.