Dean Ancil Bert Blevins

Our hearts are full as we honor the life of Dean Ancil Bert Blevins - a man whose strength, warmth, and boundless love touched everyone blessed to know him. Dean passed peacefully on October 26, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by his devoted family.

Born on November 15, 1933, in McIntosh, Minnesota, to Winsor Glenn and Elva Grace Blevins, Dean grew up in a large, close-knit family rooted in faith and tradition. He often shared stories about his cherished early years in McIntosh and the many families and friends who touched his life. When his family moved west to Edmonds, Washington, he embraced the Pacific Northwest as his forever home. Dean began 4th grade at Esperance Elementary and later attended Edmonds High School where he completed grades 7-12th grade. He formed many lifelong friendships he treasured deeply. His ability to keep friends close and maintain strong connections was one of his greatest gifts.

Dean proudly served four years in the U.S. Navy as a medic aboard the USS Wasp aircraft carrier at the end of the Korean War. His service reflected his compassion, dedication, and deep respect for those who serve.

After returning home, he attended Central Washington State College (now CWU) in Ellensburg. earning a full scholarship as the center on the football team. During a dance after one of his games, he met the love of his life, JoAnn Lois Koester. That single dance changed everything. The two shared 66 wonderful years together-a marriage grounded in friendship, adventure, and unshakable devotion.

Dean was a natural teacher-patient, encouraging. and full of humor. He taught for 30 years in the Seattle School District (primarily PE and Math) at Crown Hill Elementary, Blaine Junior High, and Whitman Junior High. He also coached football and track at Ballard High School. Beloved by his students, he was always introducing new sports and was the first PE teacher to bring pickleball to the Seattle School District's PE program. He also taught Driver's Education, guiding countless young drivers with patience-and sharing a few legendary stories along the way. He carried a lifelong passion for sports, adventure, and the values of hard work and kindness.

Dean had a curious and inventive mind, always dreaming up ways to improve everyday life. He loved creating clever gadgets, tools, and practical solutions-whether organizing the garage, fixing something around the house, or finding a simpler way to complete a task. His family often joked that he could have patented half of his ideas if he'd written them down. He was a natural problem-solver who saw possibility everywhere, blending creativity, curiosity, and humor that made every conversation more fun.

During many summers, Dean worked alongside his brother Merle and later his sons, Brian and Tim, building homes, sharing laughter, and teaching the value of teamwork and craftsmanship. After retiring, he enjoyed greeting golfers as a marshal in Mukilteo, welcoming everyone at the first hole with his trademark smile and warm spirit

In retirement, Dean and JoAnn embraced their love of travel and adventure. Together, they explored the world-discovering Europe "through the back door," visiting Germany and the Berlin Wall, hiking the Great Wall of China, relaxing on the beaches of Mexico and Hawaii, and cruising the Mediterranean and Panama Canal. Many of these journeys were shared with dear friends and family, creating cherished memories full of laughter, connection, and joy. For more than 25 years, they spent their winters as "snowbirds" in their Surprise, Arizona home, where they welcomed loved ones, enjoyed sunshine, and built a close-knit community.

Growing up in Edmonds and throughout his life, Dean lived with enthusiasm. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood and The Sons of Norway for many years. Always willing to lend a hand, he had a true zest for life. In his early years, he loved skiing, fishing, camping, and boating, and later, he and JoAnn continued to stay active with bowling, golfing, shuffleboard, horseshoes, cornhole, cards, dancing, and hosting gatherings with friends and family. Whether you met him once or knew him for decades, he had a rare gift for making everyone feel special, seen, and valued.

Above all, Dean's heart belonged to his family. He was a devoted husband to JoAnn; a loving father to Brian; Lori and her husband Bill; and Tim and his wife Connie; and a proud grandfather to Jordan, Austin, Kelsey, Dawson, Cole, and Taylor. He also deeply loved his many nieces, nephews, and extended family. His happiest moments were spent at family gatherings-celebrating birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, special events, and enjoying family vacations together.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Viola Martinson, Wilna DeJausserand, Vesta Wiley, Gerald Blevins, Kenneth Blevins, Merle Blevins, DonaJd Blevins, and their spouses. He is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn; his sister, Fern Thompson, and her husband Don; his children; grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many dear friends who will forever carry his spirit in their hearts.

Dean's life was a beautiful reflection of love, faith, gratitude, and kindness. He always had a warm hug for everyone, a story for every moment, and a heart that made space for all. His laughter and gentle spirit will echo in every memory, and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life Memorial this Spring/Summer. Please reach out if you would like to attend.