Dean T. Gigstead, 77, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Monday, October 23, 2023, at his home, four days before his 78th birthday. As he left his home, Dean was saluted by his wife, family and beagle, Barney, who never left his side.
He was born October 27, 1945, in Sturgeon Bay, WI, the son of Porter and Phyllis (Mathison) Gigstead. Dean attended Sturgeon Bay High School and graduated with the class of 1963. He also attended Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Dean worked as a service manager for Bay Marine for 40 years. For ten years during that time, he and Virgi also operated his own small engine business, Dean’s Service Center. On June 5, 1965, he married Virginia Gosser. He was happily married to his beloved and loving wife for over 58 years and were together to the end. They lived on family land at Jorns Lane in Sturgeon Bay, WI.
Being an automobile enthusiast, Dean was a member of the Old Bolts Car Club. He partnered with his brother, Doug, building and restoring cars to immaculate condition. Dean was featured in many magazines for his builds, including Hot Rod and Motor Trend magazines, with one of his cars on display in a private museum. He won Best of Show at Milwaukee World of Wheels in 1989 for his White Lie. He was very talented and could make anything work as he was a "Gearhead". Dean mentored many young men, having shaped the lives of those under his wing. His favorite time of year was fall and always had meat in the freezer from his small game and deer hunting, especially from his hunting trips to his cabin in Beecher. Dean loved his beagles, pull tabs and his Hershey's chocolates.
Dean will be missed by his wife, Virgi; two daughters, Carol (Brian) Seigworth, and Carla (Bruce) Warwick; grandchildren, Carmen (Robbie) Zuleger, Jeremy (Megan) Jorns, Angie Siegworth, Amanda (Justin) Stenberg and their daughters, Lyla, Porsha (Reed) Charles and their children, Porter and Junniper. He is further survived by his siblings, Janice (Peggy) Stauber, Gary (Alice Melville) Gigstead, Doug (Jan) Gigstead, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Porter and Phyllis; brother-in-law Ralph; maternal and paternal grandparents.
Dean's life will be honored with a funeral service held at Tanum Forest Lutheran Church in Town of Clay Banks on Saturday, November 4, at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Peter Mannoja officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Tanum Forest Church cemetery.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his name to Humane Society of Door County.
Virginia and family would like to express how grateful they are to Dean's granddaughter, Carmen, for her work of love taking amazing care of Dean. Additionally, they would like to thank Compassus Hospice for their fine care, Dr. Reitz for his continued care, and to all his family and friends who were there for him these last years.
Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Gigstead family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Dean may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.
