Dean D. Beguhl

Dean D. Beguhl of Richland, MI





Dean, age 77, died Sunday afternoon, May 24, 2015, at the Rose Arbor Hospice Residence of Kalamazoo, MI, following a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.


Dean, the son of Herman Carl and Mary Edith (Smith) Beguhl, was born on April 11, 1938 in Caldwell, ID; was a graduate of Wessington Springs (SD) High School and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Roberts Wesleyan College of New York. Dean was a fund raiser for Non Profit Organizations for 38 years, an ordained minister and a member of the Free Methodist Church of North America and assisted with families along with his wife, Norma for the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home at their Augusta, Battle Creek and Richland Chapels. His faith was a center piece of his life which was demonstrated by his generous service to others. He had been a member of the Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs in South Dakota, Oregon, Idaho, New York and Michigan for over 30 years. Dean served as President for the Gull Lake Area Rotary Club in 2008-09 and was an Assistant District Governor for the Rotary District #6360 for three years. He was an excellent woodworker and carver. He also refinished and repaired many funeral home furniture pieces over the years; he enjoyed baking and loved to sing a tune or two. He will be greatly missed by many!


Dean was united to "The Love of His Life," Norma J. Smith on July 30, 1960 in Gowanda, NY and they moved to Richland in 2003. Surviving is his wife of 55 years, Norma; his daughter, Lori J. (Stephen) Claussen of Richland; two sons, Peter J. Beguhl of Youngsville, NC and Kenneth L. (Janise) Beguhl of North Chili, NY; six precious grandchildren, Christopher Beguhl, Aaron Claussen, Keziah Claussen, Natalie Beguhl, Karissa Sampson and Karla Sampson; his sister, Mildred Pinaire of Boise, ID; his brother, Fred Beguhl of Jerome, ID and several nieces and nephews. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Louise Beguhl; four brothers, Charles L. Beguhl, Killed In Action on Iwo Jima, Kenneth B., Marvin and Emil Beguhl; his step-father, Ernie Compher and a 1/2 brother, Herman McClellan.


The Memorial Service to celebrate Dean's life will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 11:00 a.m. in the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Road, Richland, MI with the Rev. Dr. Mona K. Joslyn, Pastor, officiating. Family and friends will continue Dean's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon in the Church's Fellowship Hall immediately following the Service. Dean's family will greet friends on Friday, May 29th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dean's honor may be directed to the Gull Lake United Methodist Church or Relay for Life-Richland Chapter, 1400 W. Milham Road, Portage, MI 49024.