Dean C. "Deano" Mollenkopf, 87, of Van Wert died at 11:35 a.m., Tuesday at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.

He was born on November 9, 1933, in Convoy, the son of the late John Edward and Ruth Marie (Potter) Mollenkopf. On September 16, 1979, he married the former Susan K. Poling who survives.

Other family survivors include his daughters, Lynn (Jeff) Johnson of Delphos, Cheryl Mollenkopf of Wren, and Mary Jo Smith of Van Wert; two sons, Randy (Pam) Olson of Van Wert and Barry Olson of Van Wert; a daughter-in-law, Rhonda Mollenkopf of Byrdstown, Tennessee; thirteen grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren. Uncle Deano will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jay Mollenkopf; a brother David Mollenkopf; and two sisters, Linda Bower and Phyllis A. Gay who passed away on November 22, 2020.

Dean was a graduate of Convoy High School and veteran of the U.S. Navy. He retired from International Harvester in 1998, Dean served as a Convoy Councilman and supported the revitalization of the Crestview Football program and the Jack Mollenkopf Stadium.  Dean loved harness racing and attending the races at local fairs and The Little Brown Jug.

To honor Dean's request, he will be cremated and there will be no formal visitation or service.  Deano, aka "Mean Dean the Dancing Machine" will surely be missed by his family and friends.

Preferred memorials are to the Van Wert Manor Activity Fund.

Arrangements made by Cowan & Son Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at: cowanfuneralhome.com