Dean E. Antonsen

of Rapid City, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, December 10, 2024
in Rapid City, South Dakota at the age of 95

Dean E. Antonsen was born in Geddes, South Dakota on February 4, 1929 to parents Paul and Ella (Hogen) Antonsen. Dean graduated from Platte High School. He then started his studies at SDSU looking to become a veterinarian. He was drafted into the army leaving his schooling behind. He served in the Army from May 1951 and was honorably discharged in April 1953 after serving in the Korean War.

He married Mary R. Turnis on April 14, 1956. They moved to Kadoka and made their home raising their six children; Kent (Lori) Antonsen, Jim (Debbie) Antonsen, Karla (Clinton) Herman, Jean (Mike) Haley, Mike (Sherri) Antonsen, and DeeAnn (Wayne) Barber.

Dean and Mary owned the Locker Plant in Kadoka for 19 years. They then retired and moved to the Black Hills.

Dean was a man of integrity, shared his strong faith, family values, and carrying out a great work ethic as he lived his daily life in which he instilled in his family. He was blessed with 21 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Dean was a man of little words except while he was watching sporting events when he always enjoyed getting in his two cents. He never raised his voice at his family but you knew he was upset when his bottom lip started to quiver. Dean enjoyed spending time with family, woodworking, gardening, attending sporting events and playing cards to name a few. He was a member of Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church. Throughout his life he always was active in his church, community, and was a lifetime active Legion member. Dean was a loving, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

He leaves behind his wife Mary of 68 years, his children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren along with his sister Annette Hysell, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Gone before him was a grandson Todd Michael Antonsen, his parents, two sisters, and four brothers.

Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Our Lady of the Black Hills, Piedmont, SD with Rosary to begin at 9:30 am MST, 10:00 am will be Visitation, 11:00 am Funeral Mass, followed by lunch in the Church.

Burial will take place at 2:30 pm at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, South Dakota.

Arrangements are with Kirk Funeral Home of Rapid City.

Service Details

FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, December 23, 2024 - 11:00 a.m.
Our Lady of the Black Hills
Piedmont, South Dakota

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Monday, December 23, 2024 - 2:30 p.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota

Guest Book

So sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. May God provide comfort and strength in the days ahead.
   ~ Cindy Klundt Merritt Brookings, SD (12/13/2024)
Mary and family, so sorry to hear of Dean’s passing but reading his obituary, what a life he had. His family was always front and center, he will be missed. He is at peace for Christmas. Hugs and prayers to all of you.
   ~ Barb Petoske Sioux Falls (12/13/2024)
Jim,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Debbie, and family members. He lived a long time, and I hope the memories will never fade. Peace.
   ~ margo r fredericksen kadoka (12/16/2024)