Richard E. Dean

Richard Earl Dean, MD, age 91 of Grand Rapids, MI, died peacefully… surrounded by family, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, N. Christine Dean, and his sister Joanne Barnum.

“Dick" was born to Glen and Leone Dean on August 21, 1934 in Middleville, MI. Raised in humble beginnings, he went on to become a nationally prominent and well-respected surgeon. He graduated from Michigan State University (MSU), received his medical degree from Wayne State University, and completed his surgical training at the Detroit Receiving Hospital.  After briefly practicing in La Porte, IN, he served his country as a surgeon with the Second Surgical Hospital (a MASH Unit) in Vietnam. After being honorably discharged, he practiced at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH, where he was Director of the surgical residency and started the hospital's kidney transplant program.  While there, he also taught anatomy at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine.

In 1973, he was recruited back to the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine where he led the affiliated surgical residency at Butterworth Hospital.  In 1984, Dr. Dean became Chairman of the Department of Surgery, a position he held until his retirement in 2001. While at MSU he conducted research into immunology, transplant science, and nutrition; he also played important roles in developing trauma centers across the state of Michigan. Dr. Dean was nationally recognized for his contributions to surgical education, clinical surgery, and advancement of surgical science.  He was the recipient of numerous national awards, including membership in the prestigious American Surgical Association and was a member of American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Emergency Medicine.  He was a founding member of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery and served as its seventh President.  His impact on medicine, education, and research will continue through the Dr. Richard E. and Christine Dean Endowed Professorship in Immunology and Molecular Biology. 

While he was a nationally known surgeon-educator, his greatest joy was his family.  He enjoyed horseback riding, sailing, forestry, bird watching, and gardening. He was a Spartan to the core of his being and never gave up on their sports teams. 

He is survived by his son, R. Jeffery Dean (Jill); daughters, Kimberly Schenarts (PJ) and Katheryn Blatchford (Lane); gandchildren, R. Adam Dean (Meghan), Rebecca Preston (Andrew), Spencer Schenarts, Jeffrey Anderson (Bree), Kirk Blatchford (Olivia), Kenton Blatchford (Sabrina); and Kelsey Blatchford; great-grandchildren,  Charlie, Grace, and Connor Dean; Samuel, Tessa, and Lucy Preston; Elaine and Max Anderson; and Theo and Reece Blatchford;  sisters, Patricia Baragar and Carol (Jim) Smalley.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 3-6 PM at the Cork Wine and Grille, 1600 Galbraith Ave., SE, Grand Rapids, MI.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations go to: Michigan State University or Plant a Tree & Raise a Glass.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard E. Dean, please visit our floral store.