William Dean DeBelly

Age 92, of Cottage Grove, MN passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital on April 1, 2025. Dean was born June 4, 1932 in Mitchell, Nebraska. He is survived by his wife, Lois Pierce DeBelly of 68 years. 

He will be dearly missed by his three children: Roger (Sharon) DeBelly, Leanne (Doug) Clouse, and Jon (Melonie) DeBelly. Nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. 

Dean was a graduate of the University of Nebraska in 1958 with a degree in Engineering. He also achieved a Professional Engineering License. From 1954-1956, Dean served in the Army in Japan where he worked on the country’s reconstruction. From 1958-1996, Dean worked as an engineer in the beet sugar processing industry in Nebraska, Ohio, and Minnesota. He spent 18 years at the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Co-op in Renville, MN. 

Dean enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf. He enjoyed “captaining” the boat for his children and grandchildren to fish at the “Cabin” on Lake Amelia. He started woodcarving in 2003 with over 300 carvings. He also was an avid college football fan with the Nebraska Cornhuskers as his favorite team. He was also on the Olivia, MN city council. 

Dean was trained as Red Cross Disaster Relief personnel. He and Lois  traveled to New York and spent three weeks in November, 2001, for 9-11 disaster relief. They also worked for local and regional disasters for many years. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 25th with a visitation at 10 am, a memorial service at 11 am, and a luncheon to follow. Please join us at Newport United Methodist Church at 1596 11th Ave, Newport, MN 55055.

Dean led a quiet and unassuming life. He was involved, but preferred to lead from behind the scenes. He didn’t tell us how to live; he lived, and let us watch him do it. You will be forever in our hearts.