Dean Zens, 90, of Redfield, SD, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield, with his family at his side. He went to join his wife Diann of 66 years, who passed away on April 14, 2025. Following Dean's wishes, he will be cremated, and there will be no services. Their cremated remains will be scattered on their grandson’s grave on the family farm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield. (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Dean was born August 14, 1935, in Redfield, to Albert and Maryann “Marie” (Staufer) Zens.

On July 2, 1958, he was united in marriage to Diann Marker in Pierre, SD. To this union, 5 children were born. They raised their children while farming south of Zell, SD, before buying their own farm south of Rockham, SD.

Dean enjoyed hunting pheasants and was a great blocker. He was also a collector of marbles and antiques. He took great pride in teaching all his grandkids how to walk and then how to hunt.

Dean lived on the farm until moving into Eastern Star Assisted Living in January 2025.

Grateful for having shared Dean’s life are his children: Pat (Sheri) Zens, Doug (Jackie) Zens, and Darla Seitz; daughter-in-law Janelle Zens; grandchildren: Ryan (Lisa) Zens, Mindy (Josh Hartman) Zens, Courtney (Jared Kuehn) Nelson, Megan (Greg) Rhodes, Brett (Stephanie) Gueke, Summer (Chad) Wells, Seth (Ashley) Gueke, Amber (Kelly) Siebrecht, Chris (Angela) Zens, Jasmine Decker, Jordan (Lauren) Zens, Carly (Chris) Langston, Cali (Jorge) Sanchez, and in grandpa Dean’s words, “A slew of great and great-great grandkids.” To be exact, 44 great-grandkids, 8 great-great-grandkids, and several nieces and nephews.

Dean is survived by three brothers and three sisters: Kaylene Moffenbier, Jerry Zens, Rita (Dan) Hardes, Donna (Richard) Neary, Leo (Bea) Zens, and Daniel (Debra) Zens; and brother-in-law Bob Bsharah.

Preceding Dean in death are his parents; wife Diann; sons Paul and Virgil; brother Duaine; sister Audrey Bsharah; and grandsons Levi, Jon Nelson, and Isaac Appel. He is also preceded in death by his son-in-law Brian Seitz and brother-in-law Chuck Moffenbier.