Dean Milton Ellinger quietly died, surrounded by family Saturday, Feb. 21, after a two-year battle with brain cancer. He was 81.
Dean was born on Nov. 2, 1944, and was raised on a family dairy farm in Hopkins. His early years were spent participating in FFA and other agricultural pursuits. He was in the first graduating class at Grand Valley State University and later taught French at Union High School.
Known as a jack-of-all-trades, Dean also taught reupholstery at the Kent Skills Center, owned and operated a retail flower shop, and used his patented charm in commercial sales.
Dean was married to Susan Jeffery for 26 years. His second love was his extensive vegetable and flower gardens. He maintained an elaborate ornamental garden with a peaceful koi pond at his home.
He was also a long-term member of the Hillcrest Community Garden in Grand Rapids, where he raised vegetables, including “Grandpa Dean’s Magic Beans.”
Since he spent his life working the land, he also served as the family meteorologist, often reaching out to family and friends to keep them updated on severe weather. Dean was also an accomplished home chef with too many signature dishes to name. He was an avid ice fisherman who spent many frigid days on Reeds Lake in pursuit of the perfect blue gill, perch, or crappie. Dean also lovingly restored a large Victorian home in the Heritage Hill District of Grand Rapids.
He was known for his unwavering sense of humor and willingness to help anyone in need. He was a friend to so many because of his unique ability to connect with people and care for them. Whether you needed the best apples or a car repaired, Dean “had a guy/gal.”
Dean is survived by his wife, Susan Jeffery, his children, Stephanie (Brandon) Fast, Nick (Jen) Ellinger, his step-children Beth (Carlton) Clark, Lisa (Mark) Hendricks, Cinda (Eric) Quilitzsch, Jeff (Cindy) Ambs, his grandchildren Ryan, Talia, Tyler, Tobey, Michael, Nick, Ava, Angelina, Allison, Kyle, Elliott, Megan, Ali, Riyonna, Christina, Josalyn, and Ethan, his step grandchildren Megan (Ryan) McIntryre, Ali (Erin) Quilitzsch, his great-grandchildren Brooks and Adrian, his sister Sharon Oliver, nieces Judy Fretwell, Kathy Oliver, great-niece Kirsty Savastano and great nephew Jim Fretwell.
Visitation will be held at Metcalf & Jonkhoff, 4291 Cascade SE, Grand Rapid Saturday, Feb. 28, at noon, with funeral to follow at 1 p.m.
