Dean Kulenkamp passed away peacefully on June 30, 2018, surrounded by family. Born on November 22, 1925, to Clemens and Genevieve Kulenkamp, Dean grew up in the heart of the Como Park neighborhood of St. Paul, MN. After graduating from Murray High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, earning his wings as a pilot in 1946, and achieving the rank of Lieutenant (jg). Subsequently, he graduated from the University of Minnesota, studying psychology and business. Dean married his “Como sweetheart,” Emily Shave, in 1948 and they were devoted partners for 68 years¬¬.
Through Dean’s career with the Chevrolet Division of General Motors, he managed distribution of vehicles to Chevrolet dealers throughout the region. After his retirement, he continued to share his experience and expertise with budding entrepreneurs as a volunteer with the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). A natural athlete, musician, gifted restorer of antique furniture and lover of the outdoors, Dean embraced life fully. Always focused on the interests and needs of others, he continued to build strong relationships until the end.
Special thanks to Hospice of the Red River Valley and to the caring community of staff and residents at Bethany on University. You helped make it possible for Dean to continue an active and engaged life.
Dean is survived by son Larry Kulenkamp (Maryann Erdman); daughters, Ann Kulenkamp (John Wilson) and Amy Richardson (Jay); grandson Bryce Richardson (Anna Morales); sisters, Genevieve Joseph, Yvonne Swanson and Karen Earle; and many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Emily; his parents; sister Dorothy Johnson; and brother Jerome Kulenkamp.