Barbara Ann Dean, 73, of Rolling Prairie, IN, died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at her home.
She was born Jan. 9, 1943, in South Bend, IN, to Leo and Clara (Taberski) Pietrowski.
Barbara worked at Redi-Froze in South Bend, was a key punch operator at National Bank, and worked for the LaPorte County Auditor’s Office. She was elected as LaPorte County Recorder for two terms in 2000 through 2004 and 2004 through 2008. Barbara retired but then ran and was re-elected as County Recorder in 2012 thru 2016, then re-elected in November 2016. She was a member of PRCU, American Legion 297 in New Carlisle, IN, Polish Falcons 1031 in LaPorte, LaPorte Civic Club (where she served as a secretary), Master Gardener, Democratic Club, Farm Bureau, League of Women Voters, and St. John Kanty Catholic Church. Barbara loved her farm, calling it her “Queendom.”
On March 8, 1967, in Chicago, she married Hubert E. “Ed” Dean Sr., who preceded her in death in 2010.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Suzie Brutz; siblings, Joseph Pietrowski, Ester Embler, Leona Mixon and Robert Pietrowski, and Dewey, Junie, Bruce, Cheryl and Craig.
Surviving are her beloved son, Ed (Debbie) Dean; eight grandchildren, Sara (Matt) Trevice, Zackary Dean, Steven (Erin) Havenstein, Scott Havenstein, Tabby and Penny Brutz, and David and Michael Dean; and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are nieces and nephews: Mary Ann Bishop, Nancy Smith, Tina (Dan) Soria, Susie (Tom) Jasinski, Larry Pietrowski, Linda Myers, Richard (Kathy) Warren, William (Sonia) Henderson, Sandra (Robert) Gause, David (Candi), Norma, Lisa (Curt), Janet, Carol (Jeff), Doug (Melissa), Mark, Bobby (Mary), Edie (Rick), Bonnie (Bill), Nick (Paulette), Bret (Glory), Toby (Samantha), Bobby Dean (Melissa), Kenny, Steve (Debbie), Anne (Kevin), Charlene, Melissa (Greg), and Valerie (Carl). She is also survived by her beloved dog, BeBe Sue, and cat, Kitty.
Barbara will be missed by her niece, Diane Pietrowski. Barbara was her best friend, mother, confidant, campaigner, dance partner, and her all.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at St. John Kanty Catholic Church, Rolling Prairie, with Rev. Michael Heimer officiating. Visitation will be at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, on Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. A Rosary Service will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the Mass at St. John Kanty Catholic Cemetery in Rolling Prairie.
Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.